Phoebe - update 23 February

After having Phoebe home for the weekend today has been a sad day for us all. Rachel and Matt met with Phoebe's oncologist. They have put the following message on #PrayForPhoebe Facebook page:

We've just been to see Phoebe's Paediatric Oncologist for the final histology of her tumour. Phoebe has Anaplastic Large Cell Medulloblastoma, which is the more aggressive type of tumour. Being more aggressive doesn't mean it's less likely to cure but does mean it has a higher chance of reoccurring.

This is very sad news for us but there was some good news, the lumbar puncture revealed that there are no cancerous cells in her Cerebrospinal fluid.

All of this means Phoebe is going to require much more aggressive chemotherapy than if it was classical Medulloblastoma. Her chemo will be so aggressive that she will spend much of a 6 month period in isolation. The next year is going to be very hard on us as a family, especially Phoebe (and Reuben!), so please keep praying.

Every bit of bad news is painful to hear, but we are not despairing. We believe our Heavenly Father is in total control of this situation and is actively working for our good, even though we can't see how right now. We trust Him, love Him and find comfort in the fact that He can sympathise with us in our suffering because He too watched His child suffer.

During the isolation periods during Phoebe's chemo treatment she will only be able to have four adult visitors. Please pray for Rachel and Matt as they decide who the other two people should be.

But Phoebe continues to amaze us with her bravery. Here she is having a hot choclate drink at the Starbucks next to the hsopital!

Thank you for your prayers.