Biopsy Results

We have not received a full report yet because Sam's lead Dr is having another Pathologist examine the results, but we do know that our dear little son's liver has sustained scarring and that he will have to begin treatment in January in an attempt to stop or at least slow down the damage. 

There is only one FDA approved treatment for kids his age, but there are also some decent clinical trials. We are very appreciate that his Drs are taking their time and thoroughly evaluating which treatment would be best. They are all, unfortunately, harsh treatments with harsh side-effects (some are chemo-like) and are NOT guaranteed to work, but at least we have some options.

Sometimes I just want so badly to wake up and find this was all a bad dream. 

Balloons

John's employer sent Sam a balloon & bear bouquet. I LOVE these pictures of our happy boy! He is crazy for balloons! 

With big brother, Mark

With Nathan & Mark

Hospital Visit

Sam had a liver biopsy this week. It went well! We are so thankful for all the wonderful staff at the children's hospital! 

Before procedure

All done, resting in the PICU (where we stayed overnight)

Awake in PICU and feeling pretty good

After spending the day and night in PICU, I got new perspective on how much we have to be thankful for. My heart is heavy for all the struggling children and fearful, exhausted families we left behind there. 

Now, we wait on biopsy results. The overall impression we got was that things looked pretty good (yes!) but we really will have to wait on the results.

Sam is home and feeling spunky. You'd never know he had been at the hospital except for his bandages. We are THANKFUL!