Adjusting

There is always some apprehension to the unknown. Change is difficult. That is sort of what is going on for Michelle and Tyler right now. They went from a little hospital where Tyler was one of the most severe cases and the youngest patient...to a giant hospital, full of severe cases, where Tyler is the oldest on the PICU floor. They went from 1 or 2 doctors coming in to talk to them, to teams of doctors coming in constantly. They went from being 10 minutes away from most family members to being an hour away from most family members. It feels lonely here for them. This has set some fear in for Tyler and more anxiety about his condition. He just wants to be home!

The last day and half has been full of running tests, which is frustrating for Tyler and Michelle since they've already been through this for the last 2 months.They know this hospital is excellent and these doctors are highly recommended, but they are ready for a plan to be presented and it's hard to wait. We're trusting that this is his best chance at beating this cancer, but change is still difficult.

I'm not trying to grumble or complain, but just let you know how they are feeling, so you can pray more specifically for them.

There are many positives here too, and we're trying to focus on that. Of course, knowing that he's at this world renown hospital is reassuring. The staff and nurses have been great so far. They are more than accommodating for Michelle and the family. Tyler has a nice big screen tv in his room. Michelle has access to a shower. The family waiting room is welcoming with shelves for storing your food, refrigerators, toys for kids to play with, tables for the families to eat at, etc. It makes it a bit easier to make this place our home away from home, for the next few weeks.

The plan for today's surgery is to do a biopsy of the tumor and to clean out his wound vac and replace some tubes for his drain and feeding tube. We're not sure about a time yet, but will let you know how everything goes later today. 

We are continuing to trust in the Lord Almighty and keep our hope in Him. He does not grow weary like we do. My friend gave me this passage from Isaiah 40 that she has been praying for Tyler and Michelle. We're praying for renewed strength to endure the coming weeks:

Why do you say, O Jacob,
    and complain, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God”?
²⁸ Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.