Hope

This is an excerpt from my friend Shari's blog (you can see the whole post by clicking on the "The Schiels" in the list of blogs on the right hand side ->). The Schiel family is in Marlyland while Darrel (Shari's husband) attends Pastor's College and will come back to our church in May. Their 6 year old daughter Hope has been very sick and they are having a hard time figuring out what is going on. If you have a moment when you read this, please say a little prayer for Hope and her family- for continued strength and encouragement and wise doctors (and of course, HEALING). Thanks!

"I’ll try making this short. We took Hope to the pediatric endocrinologist today and after spending about 1/2 an hour examining Hope, discussing past history, blood test results, MRI, etc., she is leaning toward the feeling that there is some type of malignancy in Hope that has not been found. We went directly to the lab to have more blood drawn for more tests which include checking for all forms of Heptatitis along with re-checking some things we’ve already had tested, esp. the things that point to her thinking malignancy. We are also doing a 24 hour urinalysis over the next 2 days. I am going to have to bring Hope back to have more blood drawn in the morning because I got a call after we got home that they didn’t draw enough for a particular test. The lady said to tell Hope she’s very sorry but to a 6 year old I’m afraid that won’t go over well. I am continually trying to encourage Hope in the Lord, speaking of what He has done for her, praying for and with her, asking her questions about what she believes about God. It is surely a time of and for growth but at this very moment my heart is discouraged. I tend to get this way when I am tired, of which I am. Last night Hope was running a 103.4 temp and slept very poorly. I slept next to her in Danielle’s bed in order to make it easier to give her drinks through the night and more med’s when necssary. Her legs hurt so badly today she didn’t want to walk. We discovered another lump on her left leg today during the exam. A surprise to everyone in the room.

Ok, I said short and it isn’t. More information when it comes in…we will be scheduling an appointment asap with an oncologist, not a bone (orthopedic) one this time. She will also have an abdominal ultrasound next Monday due to stomach pain the last few months (she’s often saying her pants are too tight and pulling them away from her lower abdomen). Even through tired mind, eyes, body and heart I know God is in control and we are fully trusting in His goodness and love."