Well, we learned something interesting today. Everyone of us is born with what they call these germ cells. As you grow, they are supposed to migrate down through your body. For women, they end up in your ovaries. For men, they go to the testicles. As they explained to us, sometimes these cells "get caught up" and don't migrate the way they are supposed to and they create this tumor. The tumor usually shows itself during puberty or teenage years.
We also were told that Aly will be admitted to the hospital on Thursday. They will be doing the spinal tap and placing a feeding tube and a chest IV tube. These tubes will remain in until the treatment is complete. They will also start the chemo treatments this weekend. The treatment will consist of 6 doses of chemotherapy which will be spread out every 3 weeks. This means that Aly will spend 3-5 days in the hospital every 3 weeks. Once that is complete she will go through 4 weeks of radiation treatments.
We appreciate all the wonderful words of support and prayers. Many of you have asked what you can do for us. We were told it will be hard to figure out what we'll need until we start walking down this path. Much of it will depend on how Aly reacts to the treatments and how sick she is.
Driving down to Minneapolis at all odd times and trying to fit in meals wherever we can will be the biggest challenge. Figuring out schedules and what we will need to do to care for Aly will be the next challenge. It will also be difficult to keep some normalcy for Tom and all the activities he has coming up.
Aly has been hit hard by the truth today, that she does have cancer and she will at some point lose her hair. What makes it worse is that she has been sick with a fever, sore throat and headache on top of it all. I wanted her to get back to school for a couple days but it doesn't look like that is going to happen.
We will do our best to reply to all of your individual emails. Just know that we appreciate them and we know you will understand if we don't respond right away.
Aly, I have been thinking about you today! You are amazing and I know your strength and determination will help you a bunch in the upcoming weeks and months! Know that there are a lot of people thinking about you and praying for you. If you need someone to read with or help with some school work, your house is on my way home! I hope your sore throat and headache leave soon so you can focus on conserving your energy for later this week! Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteMiss Griffin
Dear Jayne, Kevin, Tom, and Aly,
ReplyDeleteYou remain in our thoughts and prayers. Aly is a brave little girl. I'm sure it was a lot to try to comprehend for all of you. God will give you the strength to get through each moment. He will provide love and support through your family and friends to help you figure out all of the details. If there is something that those of us who live far away can do for your family please let us know. I'm only speaking for myself but I would imagine others feel this way too...don't become overwhelmed trying to answer all the e-mails...it is okay if you don't respond to my e-mails. If you think Aly might enjoy receiving cards in the mail let us know.
Love,
Michelle
Aly-
ReplyDeleteThe girls wanted me to tell you that if they could see you right now, they would like to give you a hug and a wish that you get better soon!
You are an amazing little girl. Your attitude and your smile are a great combination!
We are all thinking of you! The girls just said a prayer for all the drs and medicine to do their job to get you better soon!
Love, Sheila, Sam, Teagan & Lexi
Aly, your coach and teammates are keeping you in our prayers. I still hope to convince you to come back to soccer. First we have to get your eye sight fixed, hate for you to score on the wrong goal..
ReplyDeleteJayne and Kevin,
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. If there's anything we can do please let me know. You have a very special little girl! I truly enjoyed having the opportunity to coach Aly last year and hope to see her back on the soccer field again soon.
Todd, Kari, Jessica, BriAnna, and Kristina Hoffman
Aly, you have people who love you all over the place!! I have been thinking about you all day today. YOU are a special girl and I can't wait until I can see you again next time we visit!
ReplyDeleteHere's a great big virtual {{hug}} for you from us!
Love, Cheryl & Terry
Aly,
ReplyDeleteThis is Coach Roger from soccer. I just heard the news. I was saddeded to read that you have a difficult journey ahead of you. Aly, you are a stong girl with a lust for life and I know you will beat this.
I look forward to the day that I am able to watch you smash in another goal.
Roger, Jen, Jack and Anna Derham
Kevin & Jane, Aly & Family!
ReplyDeleteI heard the news via Michelle Diercks about your daughter. I will be praying for your family. Remember as difficult as this is, you have HUGE God on your side. Draw your strength from Him, He will guide you all through this incredibly difficult time. Prayers are flying your way!
Shelley Ulrich Hein (CSP alumni)
Kevin, Janyne, Thomas, & Ally-
ReplyDeleteYou have all been in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that our thoughts are with you and that if there is anything we can do- especially to help keep Thomas' schedule more normal- we are here.
Scott, Tracey, Shawn, and Shane
we (and our church) are praying for all of you. strength, peace, and endurance!
ReplyDeleteHi, I was approached by two cute little girls after the Sunday service at the Quarry. They handed me a notice with this website on it and asked me to pray for Aly because she has brain cancer. I'm not sure I've ever met you Aly, or your family but my heart goes out to you all. I will definitely be praying for you. God bless.
ReplyDelete