"Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark" ~ George Iles
On July 23rd 2008, 3 year old Carley was diagnosed with high risk, stage four
Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a childhood disease in which malignant
(cancer) cells form in the nerve tissue of the adrenal gland, neck,
chest, or spinal cord, causing tumors to form. In Carley's case, the cancer appears to have
started in her spinal cord. She was misdiagnosed several times as
having constipation a common symptom of neuroblastoma. After
a 3rd E.R. visit Carley was finally admitted for further testing because
the pain had moved to her legs. An MRI test conducted at our local hospital showed small masses along her spine which caused the doctors to admit us to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN. She was in a great deal of pain, making movement below the waist nearly impossible.
I am thrilled to tell you that since that time, Carley's
condition has improved! Since her diagnosis, Carley has undergone her
first two rounds of chemotherapy, which have succeeded in shrinking the tumors
that were causing her pain. This has allowed her to resume a life that
resembles 'normal' again and contagious
smiles to grace her beautiful face once more.
However, we all know that 'normal' is not so ‘normal’ anymore; life for Carley
and her family has changed drastically. While Carley’s tumors have shrunk and
her playful spirit is back, she has a very long and tough road ahead of
her. She is facing an unknown future that contains additional
rounds of chemo, radiation treatment, surgery, bone marrow transplants in these
next few months and years. Her parents, siblings, and her extended family
truly appreciate your continued prayers!
We are trusting God to care for her every minute of every day and we are also being so bold as to ask him for a miraculous cure. Please pray for Carley as she faces this trial at such a young age, and for strength, courage, endurance and healing.
For more updates, visit Carley's CaringBridge page.
