Sunday, August 31, 2008

A New Chapter Begins

As of today, my family has been faced with a new challenge. Alan, my husband, has been diagnosed to have a large cancerous tumor on his left kidney or renal cell tumor.
Alan had been complaining most of last week with some abdominal pain, but started thinking it was some new meds he had recently started taking, so he made a Dr. appt for Friday just to see. The Dr. noticed a low red blood count and basically Alan just really did not look good and had also been pretty sluggish lately. Doc put him in the hospital for a blood transfusion, blood work and an Endoscopy. We were all thinking ulcers in his stomach, which he did have...8 of them, so that was what we thought was the reason for the low blood count! Doc still wanted to do more testing, so he did a colonoscopy and that came back clear also. So, Doc wanted to do a CAT scan just to be sure and that is when he saw the tumor on his kidney. Needless to say we are all in shock, well, that doesn't even explain what I'm feeling. No words can really explain what I'm feeling at the moment. Actually I think I'm just numb...we all are and extremely concerned and worried about Alan. I think the only reason I'm posting this tonight is just for therapy, so please do not think it petty of me to post this today. I needed it. Please remember my family in your prayers. We go back for a CT scan tomorrow at the hospital and then we will see Dr. Mooney at Arkansas Urology in Little Rock. It's pretty certain that Alan will have surgery this week to have the kidney and tumor removed and we will go from there. I'm sure I've forgotten details, but I'm tired.
Thank you in advanced for your calls and prayers!
We love you!!
I will try to update as I can.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi there sweetheart. I had just gotten off my knees from saying a prayer for you guys when I read your blog. I have been unable to get you guys off of my mind since Paula called with the news. I wish I knew the right words to say but all I know to do is to pray continually for Alan and for you. I pray that things will be clearer and more positive when you get to LR. Please, please do not hesitate to call if there is anything at all that we can do to help. I will gladly keep your kiddos, pets...whatever you need. I pray that God's peace, courage and love envelop you as you start this new chapter. We love you guys.

RADstitches said...

Melissa,

I am in total shock as well. This is the first that I have heard of this! I will pray for Alan to get over all of this. Be strong... or as strong as you can be. Alan is such a good guy, and such a wonderful father. Lee and I are here if you need anything.

Pennington Posts said...

Melissa and Alan,
You know we are here, all you have to do is ask. Mr. Bill Runyan said last night in church after Bro. Jim had announced that we needed to pray for Alan, that we have to pray and we have to believe and have the faith. All we have to have is that of a mustard seed. And Lord knows we have more than that. You know we love you guys and we will continue to lift you up.

Meredith said...

Melissa...I had no idea. I will definitely keep you guys in my prayers.

bellfamily said...

Melissa & Alan,
You are all in our prayers, if there is ANYTHING we can do for you, please let us know. We are letting everyone we know add ya'll to their prayer list. Please keep us posted and let us know if you need anything.

summer said...

Melissa,
I heard the news about Alan yesterday and was in shock. I have not stopped praying for you family. Please let me know if I can help in any way!
Love,
Summer

Beth said...

You are in my prayers. I found out last night and I've been praying ever since. Please let me know if I can do anything, but I know that prayers are the most important! I pray that God will give you guys the courage and confidence to handle whatever comes your way. Jim and I will be praying fervently for you and your entire family. I pray that Alan will be completely healed. We love you and your entire family. You guys are so precious!!!