Monday, February 22, 2010

A Happy Lizzie Update

Lizzie recently got out of surgery and it is really great news - the tumor was the type that was benign, so no cancer, and they were able to get the entire tumor out (this was what we were really concerned about).

The doctor said that her tumor was one of the most difficult ones he has seen because it was so wedged in a difficult area. We are so happy he didn't have to take her eyesight or that her walking was affected. The negative side to all this is that her tumor was attached to the pituitary gland and that had to be removed as well. This regulates Lizzie's growth, thyroid, sodium levels, etc. The good news is that there are medicines that she can take for the rest of her life that will help regulate these things. She will have to take them forever, but it's much better than the alternative.

Please keep praying for her that she won't need an additional surgery to put a shunt in - we're hoping that her fluid will continue to drain on it's own to avoid any more surgeries for her.

We can't stress enough how much we have literally felt your prayers - we have been so calm today and I kept thinking, "I should be freaking out," but we were so blessed to just have a quiet, peaceful day - we have felt God's loving arms around us and we know this is a result of your many prayers and fasting for our family.

We still have lots of recovery for Lizzie here - at least 7 days - please pray for her to recover and feel good soon - we are so thankful for our friends and family who are rallying around us right now - thank you! We love you!

27 comments:

monica said...

I am so grateful that the surgery went as well as it did! It is awesome to hear that Lizzie is doing well and that the outcome is so good. You'll continue to be in our prayers. We love you guys!

Lisa said...

That is fabulous news Carol! Give her loves for me! She is definetly being watched over and is in so many of our thoughts and prayers! She is a "Tough Huff"! I love you so much! Keep the updates coming! You guys are all I have been able to think about!

Michele said...

Oh- I feel so relieved! I haven't known Lizzie for very long, but since I started teaching their class Dave & I just kept telling each other what a cute girl she is. I have been worrying about her since I talked to you on Sunday, but I feel so much better now. I can't imagine how you are feeling! We'll keep her in our prayers (& you guys too). Good luck!

Karen Gardiner said...

What a scary ordeal!!! So glad the surgery went well! We will keep you in thoughts and prayers. Get some sleep if you can . . . it will do you all well. Your names will hit the temple tomorrow! We are all pulling for you!
Love,
The Gardiners

Bonnie the Boss said...

I am soooo glad things went well!!! I have done nothing but thin of you guys all day and last night too! I am so glad you have felt peace and comfort through all this.

Chelsea said...

Chelsea and I are so happy to hear the positive news! He had a long discussion about life and how special and fragile our lives are last night after hearing about the situation, and we are so glad that things are looking up. I am sure Lizzie will feel so much better when this is all over. No more ill symptoms, back to being tied with the cutest little girl in the world (tied with Calli that is). Next time we are out in Utah I hope we can work out a time to swing by and say hi to everyone. Give Lizzie a huge hug for us...we miss you guys!

Kaylee said...

I'm so glad to hear the surgery went well. We will continue to pray for Lizzie that her recovery goes well. Let us know if there is anything we can to for your family.

Gina said...

Wow! You guys are awesome. I as well have not had you and Lizzie off my mind since last night. I'm so grateful to hear the good report! Tyler has even remembered her in his prayers:) I know she is being watched over. We'll keep praying for a quick recovery!

Michelle said...

Wonderful news! We will keep you in our prayers! Hugs and love coming your way.

Nelson Family said...

Sooo glad to hear that things went well. We wish we were closer to help out. Let us know if we can help in any way from AK. She is in our prayers.

Cindyana said...

Praise God and the power of prayers right? Thanks for letting us know Carol. Will still pray for you and your fam and hope the little girl can get feeling better again soon! Thinking of you all!!

The Karrens said...

We are thrilled that it's going so well so far. We just said prayers a few minutes ago for her, and we have been all day. We're thinking of her constantly. We love you. Ted

Hermana Maw said...

We love you guys! I'm so thankful! You all will continue to be in our prayers. The Lord will continue to succor you. God bless.

Hugs and kisses to sweet Lizzie from Ilana, too.

laura said...

Carol, we are relieved to hear of the positive outcome. Thanks for the updates; as you can see, your family means a lot to all of us. We'll be praying for little Lizzie to make a smooth recovery here in the coming weeks. We'll be in touch! Love you!

laura said...

Sorry, one more thing: you know we can help with Spencer and Callie if you need us to, right? (I promise not to call her The Calster...)

AdAmy said...

We just heard about the ordeal today and decided to check your blog for more details. We are so happy that the surgery went well and that the tumor was benign. We can't even imagine what your family has been going through and just want to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! It's truly a blessing that children have such good attitudes and are so resilient! Take care!!! Amy & Adam Anderson

Queen of Kings said...

We are so glad her surgery went well! We Love little Lizzy and your family! Please let us know if you need anything we are super close and want to help in any way we can! You will continue to be in our prayers. WE Love You!

Unknown said...

Carol I heard about Lizzy and just wanted you to know my thought and prayers are with you and your family. Lots of love Carri

Chelsee said...

Yay! I am so relieved for you. Glad the surgery went well and that you are feeling at peace. Miracles happen!

Lindsey M said...

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so so much for keeping us updated. It is so good to hear it went well. I know how tough this must be for you but I want you to know I am so thankful for your example, for your wonderful outlook on life. I hope I can be half as strong as you guys if I ever need to be.

Tara Tanner said...

Amazing! We are so happy to hear Lizzie is doing well! You have all been in our thoughts and prayers since John's phone buzzed last night. Know that you have a place to crash, shower, eat, whatever not far from the hospital - we'll leave the door open for you. Would love to bring you guys food, cards (Ella has a heart card all ready for Lizzie) anything, just let us know when you need a treat and we're there in a minute. You are all in our prayers - Tara, John, Ella and Jack

Teddy said...

We are so relieved and grateful for you! What a tough little vixen (that's what my Daddy calls us;) We'll keep praying for a quick recovery. (((hugs))))

The Merriams said...

We will indeed continue to pray for Lizzie and the rest of your family and for those that are assisting your family. We love you all!

Unknown said...

I'm so happy that everything turned out ok. Your family and your little girl are in our prayers.

-Anthony Kelley

Wylie 2 Relief Society said...

Our prayers are with you and your family. I know you will continue to be blessed in the recovery and balancing medication time that is to come. You are wonderful parents! May you both be blessed with the strength you need to accomplish all that is required of you at this time. We love you and send our love! BJ and Heidi Lamarche

Anonymous said...

We are sooo grateful for the GREAT news!! What a scary ordeal to go through. I sure hope you, Ben and your family were able to get some much needed sleep last night. What a beautiful thing to witness a true miracle with the surgeon hands being blessed, as well as the comfort our Heanvenly Father wrapping his arms around you in your time of need. Lizzie is in the BEST of hands! We LOVE YOU ALL and we will continue to pray for Lizzie (Abbie said the most beautiful prayer for her). We are pulling for a speedy recovery. Laura, Michelle, Jaymie and I would LOVE to come be with you and Lizzie Thursday IF YOU ARE UP FOR IT? Please know we are all here for you and would LOVE to help in anyway. ;) XOXO~Donette & Rob and Abbie P.S. How are Spencer and Calli doing through all of this? (((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

We are sooo grateful for the GREAT news!! What a scary ordeal to go through. I sure hope you, Ben and your family were able to get some much needed sleep last night. What a beautiful thing to witness a true miracle with the surgeon hands being blessed, as well as the comfort our Heanvenly Father wrapping his arms around you in your time of need. Lizzie is in the BEST of hands! We LOVE YOU ALL and we will continue to pray for Lizzie (Abbie said the most beautiful prayer for her). We are pulling for a speedy recovery. Laura, Michelle, Jaymie and I would LOVE to come be with you and Lizzie Thursday IF YOU ARE UP FOR IT? Please know we are all here for you and would LOVE to help in anyway. ;) XOXO~Donette & Rob and Abbie P.S. How are Spencer and Calli doing through all of this? (((HUGS)))