PRAY FOR SHANTELLE

PRAY FOR SHANTELLE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
Shantelle, has been doing quite well since her surgery last year, for bone cancer. It was a lengthy recovery, with setbacks along the way, but being spunky - she endured!! Back in the early months of 2002, she had a little suspicious activity in the lungs, but it turned out to be benign - no cause for worry. She has done well throughout this year, but recently some more suspicious activity has been noted in her left lung. Doctors used nebulizer treatments to build up the immunity of the lungs. A recheck showed the spots to have decreased or disappeared altogether. GOOD NEWS! However, this past week a larger nodule (8mm) has appeared, and Shantelle's medical team will be removing that nodule this Friday, October 4,2002. It will be pathed right away, and if found to be malignant, of course that whole lung will be thoroughly checked. No course of action has been planned at this point, in the event it is malignant. Donna said it is very likely they would proceed with more chemo. Pray for Shantelle. She has been through a lot as a youngster. HANG IN THERE, SWEET PEA!!

Shantelle's prior prayer journal can be read below. ~^**^~^**^~^**^~^**^~^**^~^**^~^**^~^**^~^**^~
April 2, 2001
Shantelle,12 years old, has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in her lower leg. Her Mom said she is finishing up her second round of chemo this week, and they will be seeing the orthopedic surgeon next week to discuss limb-sparing surgery. Shortly after the surgery, she'll continue with more chemo.
Read her Mom's testimony of her daughter's faith: "She's been through so much in just 3 months, but she is so brave and has so much faith in God! I know we'll get through this difficult journey with His love and guidance. He has already provided so many wonderful support systems for the whole family. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank You."
Donna, we are holding you and Shantelle and indeed, your whole family, in love and prayer. We are praying that in her healing, God will be glorified and acknowledged as the Great Physician that He is!

April 7, 2001
Shantelle has been having testing (chest x-ray, EKG, echocardiogram, audiogram) this week, followed up with a chemo treatment (Methotrexate). Donna says they will be in Boston on Monday, the 9th, for more testing (chest CT, MRI's, bone scan) followed by a consult with orthopedic surgeon to discuss limb-sparing surgery. Hopefully, they'll know very soon what the plan for her leg will be. Donna, Shantelle . . many are praying for you guys! Hang in there!

April 11, 2001
Here's the latest from Donna: We went to Boston Monday for testing (scans) and appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Gebhardt. Testing went OK - chest CT looks good, MRI shows some dead tumor - YEAH!

But somehow, the doctor wasn't aware that Shantelle is at the point in her treatment where she's ready for surgery, so surgery was never scheduled. We were given May 4th as the surgery date, but after speaking with the oncologists in Maine it was decided to try for this Friday.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, we were told that some things still need to be taken care of before surgery can be done (authorization from insurance, pre-admission stuff, meet with anesthesiologist, and MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DONOR BONE). Since the finalization won't be done until Thursday, they want us to come down and prepare for the surgery.

So that is where we're at right now. We won't know if surgery is on until probably late Thursday. If they can't do it Friday, we'll come home and have to make another plan to continue with chemo until May.

Here's what he could tell us about the surgery:
It will take "all day";
About 16 centimeters (6 inches) of the tibia need to be replaced;
One of the arteries may not be able to be saved but he thinks the other two arteries will be enough to supply blood flow;
No nerves should be affected;
They could tell that she doesn't have much more growing to do, so there shouldn't be too much discrepancy as far as leg length;
He mentioned the possibility of skin grafting to close the incision;
She will start with a splint, then a cast for approx. 6 weeks, and then a brace for several months or longer;
We should be in Boston for a week, with a follow-up in 2-3 weeks;
Chemo should be able to continue in Portland afterwards if there are no major problems.

This has been a pretty frustrating week with all the unanswered questions, but I know things will work out for the best. Please keep us in your prayers. I'll try to update when I can.

April 13, 2001
This whole week has been one battle after another. I posted earlier that Shantelle's surgery scheduling was "overlooked". The past four days were spent going back and forth with doctors (Boston and Maine) trying to get her surgery done today (Friday). After MUCH work on everyone's part with the short notice, we went to Boston yesterday not knowing what the plan would be.

After alot of pre-op testing and paperwork, seeing nurses, an anesthesiologist, and nurse practitioner, we were given the OK for surgery. But, of course, there was confusion over the time: 10:15, no 8:00, no back to 10:15. Getting all that settled, we thought we were ready for surgery.

Friday morning - at the hospital extra early, getting prepped for surgery (right down to me in scrubs!), Dr. comes in for last minute questions, hears Shantelle cough, calls in another anesthesiologist for his OK to continue. Guess what?!? We have to wait til May 4th! I am dumbfounded! And even considered having them do surgery anyway! But, I wasn't gonna make any decisions until I talked with Maine doctors, who agreed the extra wait wouldn't hurt and would be better than the risks of lung problems or infection if surgery happened today.

I know they are thinking about her health, and of course I am too. But after seeing all these medical "professionals" all week long who knew about her cough and reassured me that "her lungs are clear", all tests show NOTHING going on in her chest, and she doesn't even have a fever - I was soooo distraught to have it called off at literally the last minute!

I've been doing so well up until now to keep it all together. Now, I don't know what to do. Any prayers for strength would help right now. Thank you all so much.
Please continue to pray for peace for this family, for the Lord to reassure them that everything is under His control. God's time is the perfect time though at times we may not agree! He knows from beginning to end, so we must trust Him.

MAY 6, 2001
Well, Shantelle's surgery day came and went, without surgery, due to very low counts and sore throat troubles. So, surgery is now set for Wednesday, May 9. They will be flying down on Tusday for pre-op work-ups. Please pray for Shantelle to be brave. And Pray for Mom to be brave, as well! We are praying they will be able to get this surgery now, with no more delays, so that Shantelle can begin to heal and get well.

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MAY 31, 2001 UPDATE
Shantelle came through surgery well! Praise the Lord! I am including here, a wonderful report from her mom Donna!

Shantelle finally had her surgery on May 9th. All went very well. They were able to take out the WHOLE tumor (about half of the tibia and also a little section of the fibula). The bone graft went well, and the plastic surgeon did a "muscle flap" over the new bone to protect against infection.
We were told she didn't need a skin graft at the time of the surgery. But five days later, when the splint and bandages came off to be replaced with a cast, the doctors were concerned about an area of skin below her knee that might not heal properly. It was decided that a skin graft would be beneficial for quicker recovery, so she underwent another surgery the following week. This was pretty devastating for everyone, but we still have faith that the Lord is taking care of all her needs. I know He has a wonderful plan for her and everything will work out.
We did get EXCELLENT news about the pathology report of the tumor. It was 99% dead!! So, we know it responded very well to her treatment. She still needs to continue on a "maintenance plan" for the next 6 months, but at least we know it's doing the job. I praise God for that! In the midst of disappointment, He always gives us blessings.
Shantelle still has a long recovery ahead of her. She isn't able to walk with crutches on her own yet, so she's using a wheelchair until she accomplishes that. She'll be working with a physical therapist to help her with this. The skin-grafted area also needs to heal; there are still small areas that are concerning the doctors.
We'll see both the Orthopedic and Plastic surgeons next week for follow-up. I'd appreciate any prayers for the Lord to provide His healing touch this week.
God Bless,
Donna

GOD HAS BEEN GOOD! Continue to pray for full healing for Shantelle! God-speed, Spunky Shantelle!! :-) Our prayers are with you!

SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
Today I received a wonderful update from Donna. : ) I will let her share it in her own words, as they are so beautiful!

A lot has happened since May. The area of skin around the graft site broke down quite a bit, so chemo was put on hold for the month of June, and then again in July. Although this worried the oncologists quite a bit, many people were in prayer and I was at peace that she was in God's protective care. We spent most of the summer doing dressing changes to that area and visiting doctors quite a bit. I thank God that, although it's a slow process, He is providing tremendous healing to her leg.

She is now in the 'maintenance' part of chemo, dropping the hardest treatment and doing some out-patient visits. Things are definitely getting a little easier and we're hoping to be done with chemo by Christmas. Shantelle has gone back to school and is even cheering (although she has many restrictions). She now wears a full-leg brace and can put some weight on it when walking. The orthopedic doctor is now allowing her to bend her knee some, so she will be getting phyisical therapy to help with strength and motion.

This difficult journey is far from over, but I believe the worst is behind us. God has been so faithful in providing for all our needs, and I know we have all been in His care. Thank you all for the many thoughts and prayers on our behalf. They have not been in vain. God is good and worthy of our praise!!
Donna

What a beautiful letter! Shantelle has had a very difficult summer, yet her family credits God and prayer, for bringing her through to this point! We want to keep praying for Shantelle, until she is completely well!

FEBRUARY 6, 2002
Shantelle has been doing well, but recently went for her check-up and a scan revealed a spot of a suspicious nature on her lung. It is a very small spot and it is unclear exactly what it is, at this point. Her doctor will be closely watching and scanning again to have a comparison scan. If there are ANY changes, then more aggressive action will be taken. Please pray for Shantelle and for her family. This is quite distressing for Mom! God willing, this will be of no consequence and Shantelle can continue on with her normal routine.

James 5:16b ~
The effective prayer of a righteous man
can accomplish much.

Psalm 31:14-15a, 24
But as for me, I trust in Thee, O Lord, I say, "Thou art my God." My times are in Thy hand. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.