Please lift Katie Bettendorf and all of TeamBettendorf in your prayers. A very large mass has been discovered in her little girl's left chest cavity. It has been biopsied and they are awaiting results. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers for her healing.
UPDATE: We received an update tonight. All I can say is...please pray. Little Jillian really needs your prayers!
UPDATE: Jillie has been intubated and is under sedation until she can begin chemotherapy. Let's keep lifting her to the Lord.
UPDATE: Jillian's chemotherapy has begun and there's already some improvement...her heart is moving to center instead of being pushed so far right. Katie said there was a scary moment last night when Jillian got agitated during a medical procedure that was taking too long, and they had to "bag" her. She also said Jillie is amazingly responsive for a little girl so heavily sedated. Keep praying for a full recovery for Jillian. There are people all over the world praying for her right now.
Poor dear! I do not know the Bettendorfs but I will pray fervently for their daughter. Just in case it does turn out to be something quite serious, I wanted to share something with you. A few years ago they found a mass in my chest and it turned out to be cancer. The doctors said that it couldn't be cured because of all the organs that it was touching. Nevertheless, they surgically removed all of the visible tumor. Despite the news that there was nothing more they could do for me, I just celebrated the FOURTH anniversary of my life since being diagnosed with incurable cancer. So, even when the prognosis is very grave, there is always reason to have hope and to believe that God will give you the strength to endure and THRIVE throughout troubling times.
I have received excellent healthcare and I would be more than happy to talk about what parents should be thinking about if their daughter is going to be facing a serious battle with a mass in her chest. I can be reached by leaving a message under any post on my blog.
Your sister in Christ
bint alshamsa
http://bintalshamsa.blogspot.com
You know, Jillian's age is really going to work in her favor. Children's bodies are incredibly resilient. I have seen MANY children with cancer go through treatment and come through it looking like they were never sick at all. I hope the Bettendorfs look for whatever cancer support groups there may be available in their town. These can be invaluable resources for families facing such situations.
Of course I don't mind! In fact, it is a blessing for me if I am able to say anything that someone finds useful or comforting in this situation. Just let me know if there is ANYTHING else I can do to support the Bettendorfs right now.
This is one of my favorite prayers for when I am ill:
• Feb. 10, 2007 - I will join you in prayer
I have received excellent healthcare and I would be more than happy to talk about what parents should be thinking about if their daughter is going to be facing a serious battle with a mass in her chest. I can be reached by leaving a message under any post on my blog.
Your sister in Christ
bint alshamsa
http://bintalshamsa.blogspot.com