I haven't posted on this blog in over a year... sorry about that for those of you who still check in regularly. It's been a really good year - busy and exciting and I kept meaning to post here and let you all know how great things were for everyone....
Sadly instead I am now updating because we are once again in dire need of extra prayers for Meghan.
3 years ago we sent a prayer request for (then 11 year old) Meghan when a mass found in her right arm was diagnosed as cancer. The whirlwind year of appointments and doctors and surgeries and treatment was overwhelming. Our amazing families, friends, church family, and even those we had never met immediately surrounded us with a flood of prayers and continued to support, encourage, and rally around us throughout that trial. At the beginning of this month we were praising God for Meghan's 14th birthday and 2 year remission anniversary. Sadly her routine 6 month scans from yesterday show that we are again in need of a flood of prayers. Meghan's scan shows a small spot on her left lung (about the size of a paper punch). The spot appears to be calcified which would indicate that it is likely osteosarcoma. (Osteosarcoma is most likely to recur in the initial location or the lungs - when it metastasizes it is usually to the lungs first.) Her oncologist talked with Michele today and the first thing that needs to happen is surgery to remove the spot and biopsy it. They will also be ordering a full body bone scan and a pet scan to get a better picture of what else might be happening in the rest of her body. In the best case scenario, the spot could be benign and the other scans clear. The next best scenario is that if the spot is osteosarcoma but the rest of the scans come back clear, they will consider this very isolated and removal and close monitoring will be the protocol (in other words, not immediately jumping back into chemo). We haven't gotten past this point yet and are truly taking this one thing at a time. While this was obviously not news we ever wanted to hear, we ultimately place our trust and hope in the Lord. He has ordained this - whether it be a minor bump in the road or something more. Please pray that we will be strong in our faith as we face this new trial. Pray that none of us (especially Meghan) gives in to the temptation to fear or rail against God. Pray for strength, comfort, peace. Pray for Meghan as she faces yet another surgery and recovery. She will likely have the surgery Friday morning at Helen De Vos Children's Hospital (we are waiting for final scheduling details) and will stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days. We will be re-instating the use of this blog to keep everyone updated.
Some verses that we claimed early on in our journey still remain what we cling to today:
Isaiah 43:1-3 Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Resting in His promises,
Michele (for the Haan family)
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This photo was taken last June - the evening of Meghan's 8th grade graduation
Something that I meant to share here a while back... Meghan wrote something about her journey through cancer and its lasting effects on her arm and spirit. It is moving and beautiful to me and with her permission I am sharing it with you as well...
From Meghan - June 2010
My wing is pinned to my side and holds me down to the pavement when I yearn to take flight. I am broken. I try to soar but am knocked down by gravity. I am in repair but will never truly mend. I will fly but never high. I will sing but not loudly. And yet my torn wing will still be sewn back together, although with jagged edges for I am imperfect. But I will still love, live, praise and rejoice for it is just my shell that has been damaged. Mending a broken body is easily accomplished, but mending a broken soul is not near as light a burden. For while my body was breaking, my soul was strengthening. While my body was disintegrating, my soul was thriving and blossoming in spiritual beauty. So I will live with a broken shell, fly a little lower, and sing a little softer but my soul is rejoicing for a life to live, a song to sing, and wings to soar with. I was cut up and taped back together unevenly, but I am still soaring and singing. I am still alive and my soul is still strong. Even with my flaws and scratches I am still forgiven and saved but only by grace that was generously and willingly given. By no right have I gained this and I rejoice for in my weakness I find strength. In my sin His grace abounds all the more.
