Pathology Results

Dr. Pranikoff, the surgeon, just brought us the pathology results....

It was a Wilms' tumor- as expected. They removed it completely. All surrounding lymph nodes came back clear which means it was contained. There were some 'cells with anaplasia' within the tumor. Anaplasia, by definition, means the cells become less differentiated and revert back to their embryonic stage, typical in malignant tumors. As we said before the tumor was a bumpy, crazy looking thing (though not 'angry-looking' according to the surgeon- apparently this is a clinical term around here). Because of this, he could not say for certain the typical course of treatment that would be used for her. It may mean some extra rounds, an extra drug added, etc. It may mean nothing different, we're not sure. We are now released from surgery to oncology and are awaiting the team on the floor to come and meet with us.

Julia has Stage 1 Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma) with favorable histology and focal anaplasia.

Julia is in the playroom with our friends. She was able to walk unassisted for the first time today and is doing a great job. She is still a little weak in her left leg, likely from the kidney removal on that side. She slept well last night and didn't get up until 9:30am this morning. They monitored her bladder all night and we are thrilled to report it seems to empty great!! Praise God! Now hopefully her poor right kidney isn't too overwhelmed by the buckets of water she drinks plus the fluids they pump into her. As her Daddy said it must be like holding the firehouse with a man down :)

She has been amazing through this process and we are so proud of her. It's hard to believe we've been here a whole week, but we've made it feel like home and she is thankfully very comfortable being here. We praise God without ceasing that he led us to this tumor. We have been told repeatedly the UTI had nothing to do with her having a cancerous tumor. It was totally God that revealed this to us through the ultrasound. If we had found this at the typical stage when it is hard and bulging out of the abdomen it would likely have already wreaked havoc in her little body. GOD IS SO GOOD!! It just shows us how God knows her better than anyone and can care for her in a way no one else can. With all the wonders of science and medicine we didn't find this, He did. What an amazing security that we are so safe and secure in our Father's hands! We trust His timing in all of this completely and are waiting to hear what He has planned for her now. Please be in prayer as the oncology team is meeting now to decide her course of treatment.