Jul. 6, 2008 - Rachel's One Year Anniversary . . . Still Tumor Free
July 10 is big day for me so I thought I would open up and share my day with you.
Here is where I posted about my own emotional healing this past spring.
One year ago today, Rachel, all 9 pounds of her, went into surgery to remove a cystic hygroma from her neck.
Her newborn weeks were such a blur, beginning at 3 weeks when I took her to the doctor. I made the appointment even though a call to the doctor earlier that week said the lump was probably fine. My mother's intuition couldn't just wait and see. So off we went to the doctor at 3 weeks of age and it was there I was told Rachel had a benign tumor called a cystic hygroma. The doctor must have been caught up in the uniqueness of the situation because she forgot to even look at me or even ask me if I had any questions. The only information I was given was a referral to a surgeon because it would need to be removed and one quick look in her doctor's illustrated handbook. I had to memorize the name quickly as she read through the handbook. I remember scribbling down some of the consonants so that later I could google the name. I left there bewildered and scared.
Do a google image search of cystic hygromas and you'll see why.
I lost my innocence that day. I truly never expected my family to have to go through something like this. I have expected broken bones and stomach bugs to afflict us, not a potentially disfiguring disease that could harm my child and cause her pain. It is only through this experience that I could truly learn to trust Jesus and lean on Him. I now fully comprehend His sovereignty and His love for us. As much as I hurt during that time, wondering what was going to happen to Rachel, He hurt too.
We have been blessed. Rachel has been blessed. We were told that if the tumor was to return it was most likely to do so in the next 12 months. Every day I have looked at Rachel, looking at her neck, all areas where she has lymph nodes and inspected all of her sweet baby fat rolls. Every day.
It should have come back. The odds are not in our favor with this disease. The information I got online and the people I have corresponded with, all share a long story filled with surgery and pain. She has been spared and for that I am so grateful. I don't know why, but we are so blessed and we know it.
It has been a great year for Rachel but I am glad to be at the end of this year. We learned so much about our God and how to trust Him in our times of suffering and turmoil.
Here is the photo montage I made for her as part of my emotional healing. Since putting the video on Youtube, Rachel's story of hope and healing by Jesus has been able to touch so many people's lives.
It is my hope that you too can walk away today, love on your children, and know that even in the midst of a trial God is there for you. Call on Him and He will answer. Read Jeremiah 33:3.
Comments
Jul. 8, 2008 - reply from comment on my blog
Posted by Anonymous
Hi, this is Traci Butler. Thank you for posting a comment on my blog. I loved watching your post about your little Rachel. What a cute little girl. I can only imagine how hard it was for you knowing she was so young. My doctors would not even let me do anything until she was at least 1. Although we did not notice hers until she was 6 months. I hope things stay in your favor. I would love to keep in touch and see how she does. Thanks again. Traci
Nov. 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
My daughter was also diagnosed with a cystic hygroma and just had it removed this week. Thanks for sharing your daughter's story on youtube! It really calmed this little mama's nerves.
