June 4 Sunday evening update

Just got off the phone with Danielle and Timothy, calling from their new accommodations in the hospital.  They received a phone call from their surgeon this afternoon for Danielle to come in to be admitted in preparation for surgery tomorrow.  They met the surgeon this evening and he explained what the plan is for tomorrow, as well as outlining possible complications that could occur.  The surgery will likely take place around 1:00 tomorrow afternoon when the whole team is at their best, and his plan is to take his time with the surgery - to cross every "t" and dot every "i".  There is a small possibility that the surgery may be done laparoscopically instead of open surgery, but this depends yet on the advice of the Obstetrician.  A CT scan would normally be done pre-surgery to assess where the tumour is located and if it is interfering with any other internal organs, but as the radiation from the scan would be harmful to the baby, the surgeon does not have CT results to use in preparing his plan.  It will be somewhat wait-and-see until the operation begins and the surgeon can assess what can and needs to be done.  The best case scenario for tomorrow is that the entire tumour can be removed from the bowel and the healthy sections joined back together again.  Surgery would be followed by a chemotherapy regimen to shrink the remaining cancerous lesions on the liver.  If the tumour is larger than expected, spread to other areas, or attached to other parts of the abdomen, things will become a lot more complicated, and there is a possibility of an ostomy, which is often reversible once the chemotherapy has done its work.  The surgeon will do his best to avoid this, but if it has to happen, he will carefully plan a suitable location.  There are many unknowns yet with how the surgery will go, but it is good to know that the lead surgeon has done a lot of consulting with other doctors and specialists in regards to Danielle and the baby, and to know that there are many good minds working together for their best possible care.

Danielle and Timothy were in reasonably good spirits, and are so thankful for the love and support that they have overwhelmingly received.  God has given difficult things to them, but they are thankful and humbled that He has also blessed them with much loving support.  What a blessing it is to not walk through such difficult trials alone!  They were planning to do a walk of the hallways and then settle down for the night, hoping for some sleep before a long and tiring day tomorrow.  We will update as needed.  Thank you for your continued prayers - the throne of God must be receiving an endless request for healing, strength, and peace, and we are assured that He hears our prayers in Jesus' name, and that He cares for His lambs.  

One of His littlest lambs in most need of tender care received her name today.  Danielle and Timothy have chosen to name their tiny daughter Ava Grace.  The meaning of Ava is Life or Living One and Grace is the free and unmerited favours of God.  What a beautiful and fitting name for a much prayed-for little one.

But now listen, Jacob, my servant,

Israel, whom I have chosen.

This is what the Lord says - 

He who made you, who formed you in the womb,

and who will help you:

Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,

Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.  

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,

and my blessing on your descendants.

They will spring up like grass in a meadow,

like poplar trees by flowing streams. 

Some will say, "I belong to the Lord";

others will call themselves by the name of Jacob;

still others will write on their hand, "The Lord's,"

and will take the name Israel.

Isaiah 44:1-5

Prayer requests:
*For a restful sleep for Danielle and Timothy in preparation for a long day tomorrow
*For a restful sleep for the surgeon too!  That the Lord would guide his hands tomorrow and bless his work
*For protection for Danielle and little Ava Grace.