A bit more on the surgery

Once again, the surgery went according to plan. It lasted approximately 7 hours. It lasted that long not because of any complications, but because the surgeon wanted to be careful and make sure he got everything. The tumor was quite large, approximately 7 inches. It was shaped something like a football and weighed about a pound and a half. Brian saw pictures of it, and he compared it to a nerf football. The stage of the cancer looks to be either stage 1 or stage 2. It is most likely not stage 3, but they won't know more for a few days. The doctors are quite certain at this point that it is not stage 4 or 5 since the cancer has not spread to any other organs or lymph nodes. The surgeon did remove a couple lymph nodes just as a precautionary measure. They will be tested.

The only real concern the surgeon seemed to express was related to one spot on the tumor that looks a bit different from the rest. The surgeon said he would be surprised if what Reese has wasn't Wilms tumor, but they won't know for sure until they receive pathology tests back in a few days. The spot on the tumor that looks a bit different could be nothing.

At this point, the main thing we need to pray for is Reese's pain. She will be in a considerable amount of pain for the next few days. She is currently in pediatric intensive care. She will most likely be there for 1-2 days. They will be giving her Tylenol and other narcotic-type medications. Pray that Reese will be in as little pain as possible. Pray also for Brian and Amy as they help Reese deal with her pain and recovery.

Once again, I am so very proud of Brian and Amy. They are handling all of this in such a strong way. They are such great role models for the rest of us.

I plan to go visit again either Friday or Saturday. Thanks again to all of you who have sent gifts to them. I know they appreciate anything (text messages, emails, facebook posts, etc.). They read everything and are very grateful for the love that they are feeling from all of you. If anyone wants to send something with me, just let me know and I will take it with me when I go.

God bless all of you for praying for precious little Reese!

Wes

Surgery went well

Friends:

Well, there is great news tonight. The surgery went according to plan. The tumor has been completely removed. Amy and Brian are very relieved. I am going to go ahead and post this short message and provide details in a second one in just a few minutes.

Thank God for a successful surgery!

Wes

Surgery not over yet, but getting close . . .

Still only positive news regarding the surgery. The internal part is over, and she has now been sewn back together. They are now inserting the port that will be used for treatments after surgery.

I'll post another update as soon as the surgery is over. Reese will be spending at least a little bit of time in ICU tonight.

All of us should be very proud of how strong Brian and Amy are being through all of this. I know I am!

Let's keep praying for them. More in a bit.

Wes

Surgery Update

Hello everyone. Brian and Amy have just heard great news about the surgery. The kidney and the tumor have both been removed. The best news is that the tumor has been removed without being ruptured. This is very important and good news. Praise God for that! The surgery is still underway and shouldn't be complete for a little while longer. I will post another update as soon as the surgery is completed (great wireless in the waiting room, by the way, which is important for updates).

Thank you for your continued prayers for Reese and the rest of the Nicholson crew. Let's pray that the surgery will end smoothly and that Reese will be on her way to recovery within an hour or so.

Wes

Surgery Still Scheduled for Today at Noon

Friends:

I thought everyone might like to see a picture of beautiful Miss Reese. As far as I know, the surgery is still scheduled for today at Noon. Thank you for your continued prayers for her. Thanks, also, for the many gifts that people have bought for Brooke, Mallory, Brian, and Amy. Jeff Hookham and I are headed to the hospital late this afternoon and will take everything to them then.

Let's keep praying for everyone involved in the surgery. She is going to come through this just fine!

Wes

Surgery at Noon Tomorrow

Friends:

Here is the latest. Reese's surgery is scheduled for Noon tomorrow at Scott & White in Temple. It will last approximately 4-6 hours. I don't know specifics here, but I think they are still battling fever somewhat. Reese has a urinary tract infection due to the tumor pressing on her bladder.

There is good news that the CT scans from yesterday did not show any spread to anywhere else beyond the kidney and the tumor. Let's pray for continued good news that the cancer cells will remain where they are.

Brian and Amy have asked specifically that we pray that the tumor will remain in tact and will not burst in any way. Pray that everything will go smoothly and that Reese will be on her way to complete recovery by this time tomorrow night. Brian and Amy also would like for us to pray for Brooke. Pray that she will understand everything they are going through.

I think that's all for now. I plan to head down there tomorrow afternoon about 5:15 or 5:30. I will send another update as I learn more.

Thanks so much to everyone who is praying for the Nicholsons and supporting them in so many ways. Let's keep in mind that we are running a marathon with them here, not a sprint. Amy and Brian, we are here for you every step of the way.

Wes

Waiting on news . . . .

Friends:

Heard from Brian this morning. They are waiting for the doctors to stop by for a visit. I'll post an update once I hear from Brian after they've had a chance to discuss the surgery with the doctors.

Thanks for your continued prayers for them.

Wes