Kade's story

On March 17th our lives were changed and turned upside down. Our little Kade had a fall which lead to brain surgery, which then lead to finding a very large brain tumor. They were able to remove the tumor successfully with surgery and she has been recovering better than expected, however the pathology report came back as malignant. She was diagnosed with choroid plexus carcinoma brain cancer. This blog will be for everyone to track our journey through out the treatment process. We are so hopeful for our little girl and know she's a little fighter.

My beautiful girl

My beautiful girl

Thursday, March 27, 2014

New Diagnosis...

Sorry to confuse everyone again as I move from Facebook to a blog. This will be a lot easier to navigate since this is going to a lot longer road for us than anticipated. With this diagnosis of Cancer we are in a whole new ballgame. Here is the latest, as soon as Kade recovers from this major brain surgery she had about a week ago, she will then start chemotherapy here in the oncology ward at Seattle Children's. The chemo process will be about a 6 month period with 6 total treatments. She will be admitted for 4-5 days each treatment then be able to come home for 3-4 weeks in between. We, along with the oncologists are hopeful that she will have a full recovery.

Right now Kade is recovering remarkably well from her surgery. She is sensitive to a lot of stimulation and noise as she is still in a lot of pain. The doctors are hoping to take her CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) drain out tonight as her body is handling the absorption well. She had another MRI this morning determining that things are looking good. This means we might be able to go home tomorrow or Saturday depending on how she is handling things without her drain.  Then we will come back sometime late next week to start the chemo process. That will be another post since there is SO much information and we are kind of on overload. Right now we are trying to focus on things one step at a time.

Kade is giving her little stink eye to some of the nurses and pushes their hands away, which shows some of her feisty little personality. It's nice to see and the doctors are encouraged by her attitude as well. The oncologist said she is just the type that beats this because she's been so resilient with recovery.

We are heartbroken and a little shocked by the news but are taking things daily as they come and trying to keep a positive outlook as that will be the best thing we can give her right now. No doubt she still has many angels watching out for her and we still feel we have seen so many miracles throughout this past week.

We are still so grateful and impressed by her care given at Children's, with the oncology team now taking over, everyone is amazing. We are glad to be where we are as this is the best place possible for her.

We feel inadequate but also very appreciative of all the meals, letters, care packages, phone calls, donations, notes, and prayers offered on her behalf. Please keep the prayers coming as we will definitely need them in the coming months.

21 comments:

  1. Ok guys, chapter 2 on your journey to full recovery. Kade is super strong and she got it from you guys. She can do this and the troops are all rallied behind you - whatever you need. You got this!!! Love, hugs and prayers!

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  2. oh man. praying for/with you guys like never before! One moment at a time is the best motto to have. you are loved.

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  3. Hi Taryn & Clay, my heart goes out to you and your family, I was devastated to read about Kade's new diagnosis. I spent time in the Oncology unit at Children's in the mid 90's. I hope Dr. Russ Geyer is in on Kade's treatment (his specialty is brain tumors.) Also Corrine Hoeppner is amazing, She's a nurse practioner with an excellent bedside manner. Kade has got this! Love and many prayers coming your way!

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    1. They are exactly who we are working with! They have been great. Thanks for helping me feel like people have been here and can relate to what we're going through. It's comforting.

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    2. Wonderful to hear! Dr. Geyer is amazing, People bring their kiddos from all over to be seen by Dr. Geyer, and Cory is an absolute blessing. Calm. knowledgeable, and about the most compassionate people I have ever met. Kade and your family are truly in the BEST hands! Children's Oncology treats the patient and the entire family ... which is key! :-) Many hugs!

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    3. Our heart goes out to you. I shared your story with my mom, and she can completely relate. When I was diagnosed it took her at least 2 weeks to even say "cancer." It was an emotional roller coaster, but we got through it ... together. I can tell you have tremendous family, and a huge group of friends for support. Don't be afraid to take people's offer of meals, help with your kiddos, and of course the many prayers. Much love!

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  4. Oh my. We haven't stopped praying or thinking of you guys through all of this, and certainly won't stop now. Kade is such a fighter, she's made that apparent, so hopefully this is just another bump in her road. Please let us know what we can do. Much love! =) The McGowan fam

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  5. We are so sad to hear this news. We're praying for Kade and will keep on doing so! Thank you for sharing updates so we can know how things are coming along. Big hugs to you all! Love, The Baughman Family

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  6. On March 17th our lives were also changed forever, and consequently I feel especially connected to your difficult trial and experience. Thank you for your openness and for the regular updates, as it is clear that you are SO loved by SO many. Your little girl is continually in our prayers as well as you, your family, the doctors, nurses, and everyone else who is assisting and supporting you all. Love from the Saunderson Family.

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  7. Taryn, we are still praying for you and all of your family daily. I'm so sorry for the latest diagnosis but I have faith that God is working a miracle in your precious angel. Please let us know whatever we can do to help. Love,
    Danielle, Adolfo, Dylan and Isaiah

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  8. We love you guys and are praying for you. What a sweet and special little lady.

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  9. My heart is breaking for you guys. We will continue to keep your precious baby girl in our prayers & fast for her each month. I'll pray that you will continue to feel those comforting heavenly arms around your sweet family. One step at a time . . . .

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  10. Our God is a God of miracles and we totally put our trust in Him. We are continually praying for you and ALL of the family. We, in our lifetime can never understand the why, but He has said that good will prevail in all adversity. Your little angel is in His hands and in Him we must trust. We love you all so much and you know that we are only a phone call away if we can help in any way.

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  11. God is always in control so if "God brings you to it God will bring you through it." Find the positive and focus on it and pray without ceasing.

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  12. My earnest prayers are with you and your precious little girl. Please know that you have many people with you in spirit eveyday and that God can and will work miracles! Danielle's grandmother Nancy Fudge

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  13. We are praying for you guys and you are constantly in our thoughts! Angels everywhere are rooting for you guys!

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  14. Everytime I see one of the pictures of your sweet little girl this last week I can't help but smile and feel empathy for you at the same time. She is precious, and I can only imagine how difficult this has been.

    If anyone else is reading this I wanted to put a plug in for the fundraiser in the bottom right side of the page. With all the disruption to the family I'm sure some financial stability will at least help with a small portion of the stress. And it feels nice to be able to do something tangible to help.

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  15. Taryn, Marta sent me to your blog as a resource for you in the upcoming months. I'd love to help in any way possible--advice, sounding board, etc. Our son, Mitchell was treated at Children's by Dr. Leary (whom I adore) and Corrie. We saw Dr. Geyer a few times too. Who did Kade's surgery? They have great neurosurgeons! We are familiar with the CS drain too. Good luck and many prayers! You can do this!

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  16. Hi Taryn & beautiful family! I just wanted to share my prayers and heartfelt support. My father was diagnosed with cancer last year as a 60+ year old man and is still fighting and going through chemo - I can only imagine how difficult it is to come to terms with baby Kade's diagnosis. The good thing is, I believe young children are innately positive and tough fighters and that matters a great deal in battling cancer. I wish your family strength as your prepare for the ups and downs ahead. With love and sending good vibes - Sue Tan

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  17. I will continue to pray and think of your family and sweet baby. The Lord always knows where he's going with this...even if we don't... Love ya!

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