?????????????

Cade got through another successful surgery this morning. He was the first case this morning so we were in and out of surgery by 10. Chris and I spoke with both Dr. Holland and Nerad. They were not able to do everything as planned due to what is left of Cade's VM in his orbit area. We were somewhat surprised that there was enough left to hinder Dr.Nerad's part of the procedure, but we knew it was possible for it to return or it was left from the last surgery.
Dr. Holland successfully removed the scarring off the cornea and also separated some of the tissue from his eyelids. They did not have to take skin from his mouth and they did not have to put in a doughnut ring in his eye, which we were so thankful for! They were not able to put in the tear duct stint or mobilize the eye more than what it is now due to the VM. Both doctors were impressed by the complexity of Cade's VM and we talked for some time about a "long term plan." The good news is this VM will NOT affect his vision. It might be something he has for a while, but will not limit his visual access.
So what does this look like for Cade? Will he have more surgeries? When will we be through? Will this eventually be gone? The answers are not all quite clear to me now and I hope that we will have clarity in the months to come. I do know this: I know we will establish a long term plan once we return to Nashville. I know the Lord has led us to GREAT doctors. I know Cade is strong-we have thrown everything at him in 4 years and he has rolled with the punches! I know we serve a big God who is way bigger than all of this! I know He will continue to give us strength through it all!

Thank you to all of our family and friends for your continued prayers! We are thankful for the prayers of His people. My mom called me last night and told me we had friends in Japan, Mexico, and Peru praying for Cade! How cool is that?? We truly felt all of them! Thank you again!!

Right now, Cade is resting with his blanket, lion, bear, puppy, and some animal the hospital gave him--we are not sure what it is-HA! Safe to say, he is in good hands..

Love you All!!!

Bitter Sweet..

This time next week we will be in Ohio taking care of Cade after surgery. This happens to be our spring break, so that is why this spring break will be bitter sweet. His surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, the 16th. We are praying for many things in regards to this procedure. Since we are dealing with new doctors and facilities, my worries have increased, not because of efficiency, but with how Cade will do in a new place.
I have spent the last two nights just praying for many things, Cade's fears, the procedures themselves, no profuse bleeding, doctors involved, Cade's pain afterwards, etc. My tendencies are to worry, it is how I sometimes prepare myself for what's to come. I know it is not healthy, and the Lord is teaching me everyday to leave these cares at the foot of the cross. As a mom, it is hard. I want to make things better. I want Cade not to be afraid. I want to make sure he is not in pain. I want to heal his eye. This is ALL out of my control and that can be hard at times. Again, it is during these times, the Lord chooses to exercise my "trust muscles." He has brought Cade through many surgeries, why should I doubt Him now?

Who knew that four years after Cade was diagnosed with a VM we would still be on this journey. It has been a long journey, but Chris and I would have it no other way. We have been blessed by Cade and his strength through it all and it has brought us closer to Christ in the midst of these difficult times. He has been that calm presence that surrounded us in the hospital room,the waiting room,the operating room, and in the doctor offices. I cannot tell you how many times I have been at peace as Cade would leave my arms and head toward the OR. I was scared for him, but I was at peace knowing that the Lord was holding him in the palms of his hands. So next Tuesday will not be any different. This surgery will follow the same format. We will be in constant prayer for Cade and his doctors-Dr. Holland and Dr. Nerad. We will pray for success and for a full recovery, and that his pain will be limited. I will try to post again sometime Tuesday after surgery.
We would so appreciate your prayers for Cade, Dr. Holland,Dr. Nerad, and the many surrounding nurses and staff working on Cade.
He is "our warrior" and one tough boy!!! He will do great!
Soi Deo Gloria!

A Tired Little Boy....

This is what happens when you have to get up at 6:00 a.m. and go to work with mommy early because she has a meeting at school, plus no nap today. I got off the phone with my mom this afternoon on my way home from school and knew Cade was awful quiet. I turned around and he was plopped over in his booster sound asleep. "He was worn slap out," as my mom would say. So cute!