Sorry
it has taken us a while to share Elena’s test results with you.
We
received the results about two weeks ago. It has taken us about that long to
process it all.
Five
years ago when we started signing all of those consent papers to authorize
Elena’s treatment for leukemia, we were only focused on saving Elena’s life.
Yes, we were aware of the harmful effects of the treatment, but we were simply
trying to make it to the next day. Then following Elena’s relapse, once again
we were signing consent forms and being told what impact treatment could have
on Elena’s body. Today, two years after her bone marrow transplant, Elena is officially
considered a survivor and we are having to deal with the negative effects from what enabled
her to become a survivor.
We
shared how we were feeling after Elena’s survivor clinic appointment in our
last post. Overwhelmed, a little sad, and empty. Those feelings only got
stronger after hearing the news of Elena’s tests.
We
celebrated the news that Elena’s heart and lungs are working properly and that her
blood counts remain strong. These are definitely big blessings! We
were saddened to hear that Elena’s hormone levels and bone density scan were not
good. In fact, her body is not one of a 15 year old, but that of a woman in menopause
with osteopenia. Not easy words to hear or explain to a beautiful girl who has
her whole life in front of her. While we are beyond thankful that Elena is
alive, we struggle with the reality that what we did to save Elena’s life came at a
cost.
When
in the battle of surviving cancer, you look forward to the day you can be
finished with everything and live again. You think the storm will end and that
there will be no more crashing waves. Hearing the results from Elena’s tests
also brought with it the reality that she will never be finished with this
fight. Her
brain, bones, and endocrine system and reproductive health have all been
negatively impacted. She will always have to fight against the harm brought to
her body.
She
will soon begin physical therapy to help strengthen her body and stretch the
ligaments and muscles that were impacted by chemo. This will hopefully improve
her walking and physical activity. She has started taking hormones that her
body is not producing to help with her bone strength and overall health. On
Wednesday, she will see an orthopedist who will determine if she is at further
risk for compression fractures in her spine. These were noted in her recent
chest x-ray. He will also decide if Elena needs to see an orthotist. Elena will
see her oncologist and endocrinologist in four months as they continue to
closely monitor her progress.
So
now, once again we have a choice and we have chosen once again to stand up. We
can’t stay stuck in a place of sorrow of what has been lost. God has not
brought us this far for nothing. He has been faithful to walk with us, carry us,
and see us through. We are grateful. We know that even though
it has been very hard, it could have been so much worse - and we are thankful for
His mercy and help.
We
continue to ask God for healing of Elena’s endocrine system, for strengthening
of her body and bones, and for her brain’s mental processing speed and comprehension
to increase. Prayers continue to be lifted asking for His protection from
all of the other potential long-term problems childhood cancer patients can face as
consequences of the harsh treatment.
When
we started this blog to keep everyone updated, we never dreamed we would still
be blogging five years later. Thank you for walking with us and making a
difference in all our lives!
In
Him,
The
Tates"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
