Biopsy Results

     We just heard from the doctor, and the pathology has confirmed what we expected, but still our worst fear, that these spots are indeed relapsed Neuroblastoma.  Although very difficult news to swallow, it feel relieving to finally just have the answer so we may move forward, prepared to fight for our little Hazelnut's life.  Her bone marrow biopsy procedure was two fold: a bone marrow aspirate and a bone marrow biopsy.  The pathology is still pending on the biopsy, but the aspirate is totally clear of cancer cells!  So we are hopeful the biopsy will also come back negative.  Bone marrow is the most difficult place to treat with Neuroblastoma, so we are glad at this news because it means that she just has one more thing working in her favor.

     Now that we have this information, we meet with the oncologist tomorrow afternoon to go over treatment protocol and sign consent forms.  We will then have a better idea of what the next few months will look like for our family.  What we do know now, is that her inpatient treatments will come every three weeks, and then we are hopefully home for the two weeks in between.  But that will all be dependent on how Hazel's body tolerates the treatment.  Last time, we were in the hospital with low counts and fevers in between every single treatment, and it was very difficult on all of us.   These treatments will begin next Monday, August 29th.  She will have her port/line placed that very morning, and will receive chemo just hours later.  We are still trying to make our decision on what line to choose, but our hearts, and Hazel's are leaning more towards the port.  She said, "I think I made my decision.  I will deal with the pokey's because I really want to go swimming.".  And since we will never have an idea how long her treatment may take, we think this is the best decision for her.  If she were to have a line, that would be an indefinite amount of time that we would be taking away one of her most favorite things, and we do not think it would be fair to do that. We will continue to pray about it, and we will assess once she begins treatment, if it was, in fact, the right decision.

     Many of you have asked how you can help our family, and we have several ways for you to do that.  

• First, is to be praying!  I will write a post later this week or next on how you can specifically be praying, but I am just too emotionally and physically drained to do that now.  
• Second, is to make a donation to our family.  You can do that through the wonderful Talbert Family Foundation at www.talbertfamilyfoundation.org/pages/Hazel.html
• Third is to sign up on our Care Community so you can check our calendar and list of needs so you can see exactly how to help us in the best way.  To do so, please go to www.heretoserve.org and click on the JOIN button and fill out the registration form. Be sure to say it is Hazel Hammersley when they ask who you would like to help. You will receive a confirmation email immediately that confirms your registration was received. Within 24 hours you will receive another email with link to Hazel's Care Community! Use the link to set up your own personal login in and password to Hazel's Care Community.

     Thank you all so much for your support these past days.  Knowing we have an army behind us and around us has given us all the strength to keep pressing forward.  As before, continue to check back here for updates, and follow along in the Care Community to see if our needs change.  As for now, let me leave you with this: Hazel is feeling very well, and even with the knowledge that her cancer has returned, she continues her life as a spunky, lively and loving 5 year old little girl.  She has LOVED every single day of Kindergarten, she has spent many hours playing with her siblings and friends, and is showing so much determination to kick this cancer like she did the first time!