Another Update

     After the results of the bone scan, Hazel went to the OR for a biopsy of her tumor, a bone marrow extraction for testing and to place a PIC line (which is like a permanent IV where blood can be drawn, fluids can be given and where she can receive any kind of medication, including Chemotherapy).  The doctors told us that this could take several hours, so we were in for a wait.  She loved taking a ride on the bed down to the OR, and seemed to enjoy her sedation medication.  She got the hiccups, which made her giggle on her way to the OR.  To our surprise and relief, the procedures only took about two and a half hours!  The doctors and nurses all said that she did great, and would spend the rest of the evening, and much of tomorrow, resting and recovering.  As of right now (9:00pm), she has been awake for a total of 2 or 3 minutes, so she is a sleepy girl!  As far as the results from the biopsy and bone marrow tests, we should get those in a couple of days.  Please pray specifically for these results!
    We also just spoke to one of the doctors, who told us that Hazel will be getting an MIBG scan (we are not sure what the real name is yet) on Friday.  This scan is specifically for tissues dealing with neuroblastoma, and will show us if there is anywhere else in her body, including her bones once again, that neuroblastoma cells have grown.  Because the bone scan today was negative, we are hopeful that no cells will show up in the bone, but this scan will give us the most detailed look, thus far, of her body as a whole.  So please be praying for good results from this scan, which would be: confirmation that there are no neuroblastoma cells in her bone and that the rest of her body also looks clear.
    Lastly, Hazel has continued having a fever since Friday, sometimes reaching temperatures of 103 degrees.  Tylenol helps, but the doctors don not want to mask the fever, so she cannot be on a continuos regimen.  Please pray that God can help make her body strong to finally kick this fever and get some of her energy back!
     HEBREWS 4:16  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.