Monday, August 8, 2011

Levi's story

The History:
Levi hasn't been himself the last 10 days; complaining of headaches, throwing up, and wanting to be held all the time. This past week he started to do funny things with his eyes, which caused us to be even more concerned. On Sunday, during our third visit to urgent care they decided that it wasn't just a flu that they initially diagnosed him with and had us admitted to Kaiser Zion. They immediately did a CT Scan and the results showed a mass in his brain as well as a significant amount of water on his brain caused by the blockage from the tumor. They decided the best place for him would be Childrens Hospital and they transported him there yesterday.

What we are learning now:
The neurosurgeons explained the difficultly with his tumor is that the location is very hard to get to, as it is in the center of his head and it is surrounding very sensitive areas such as pituitary gland and optical nerves. It is not the type of mass that typically spreads throughout his body and it is very hard to entirely remove. Estimates are that the mass is 3.5x5 cm, which for a little brain, isn't as small as I hoped.

Treatment is surgery, as radiation and Chemo are not typically effective on this type of tumor. Surgery is scheduled for this Friday, we don't have a time yet. We are thankful that the surgeon performing this 8+ hours surgery is an expert at this particular type and we feel he is in good hands. His name is Dr. Levy and he is out of town until Thursday evening but has already been involved in Levi's case.

He has an MRI for 1:30 today, that will provide the Docs a much better picture of the tumor. We expect the MRI to take a couple of hours, so hopefully we can get some rest during that time. Sleep wasn't really happening for me last night. kind of a lot to think about.

Thanks to everyone for prayer and offers of support. We all feel very loved. I will let you know if needs come up, thank you to those of you who have already filled many of them. We will likely get a room here at the Ronald McDonald house and meals are provided to us there as well.

I'll try to daily update facebook and this blog. Please pray. Please share Levi's story with anyone who has a heart to pray. We are entrusting our little Levi into His Father's hands, knowing and trusting in our loving God.

- Kara Ryska.

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29 comments:

  1. anjuli paschallAugust 8, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    praying for your family and your precious Levi. Hold tightly to the Lord, He will give you strength. love you.

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  2. KrissaAugust 8, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Kara, Dan, Kade, and Levi we love you. Rest in the fact that God hears our prayers and we are all praying.

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  3. Senor GainesAugust 8, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Dear Dan, Kara, Kade and Levi...know that our family is dedicated in hope and prayer for Levi and for your family. 'The Lord is our strong fortress' Psalm 18:1.

    Much love,
    Tom Gaines and family

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  4. ryskicAugust 8, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    We have a huge prayer chain up here in Clovis/Fresno/London/etc. It will be a pleasure for us to come down there and care for Kade and meet any need you guys have. Love you all!

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  5. AndreaAugust 8, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Sweet Friend, my heart hurts for you, your pain saddens all of our hearts, we will continue to pray for you, you are on my mind all day long so I will continue to give you and your precious family back over to the Lord, calling upon Him for all that you need right now. I love you.

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  6. MelodyAugust 8, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Dear Father God, we know that you love the little ones you have made. I pray that this child Levi be miraculously healed in the name of Jesus Christ his Savior, let the glory be to Your Holy Name!

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  7. The Nielsen'sAugust 8, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Hi Kara, you guys are in our prayers.

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  8. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    I also had that tumor, which was removed five years ago at Kaiser (God bless them). I praise God daily for giving me another chance with my kids and hubby.

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  9. DTAugust 8, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Just prayed for your entire family and especially Levi. We will continue to do so.

    May the God of all comfort surround you right now...

    Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength."

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  10. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Dan and Kara, We are and will be praying for healing for little Levi, peace for your family, and wisdom for the medical staff that God has hand-picked to treat your little boy. With love, Kim (Sheriff)Piper and family

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  11. Allison PriolaAugust 8, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Praying for you guys and for God to guide the surgeons hands tomorrow as this surgery is performed.

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  12. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    We don't know each other, but a friend of mine posted a link to your blog on fb... I have a 2 year old named Levi also- please know that I will be lifting your family and your Levi up in prayer daily! Every time I squeeze my Levi, I'll think of you and yours...

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  13. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    Hugs and prayers from Sunnyvale, CA.

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  14. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    I followed your link after Gretchen P. posted it. Sister, I will be praying for you, your husband, Kade, and your sweet Levi. My heart is hurting with you right now, and when I say I'll pray; I WILL pray. Will be praying for peace through the circumstances, wisdom for you as parents and for the doctors, peace and comfort for Levi, comfort for Kade, and healing. Romans 15:13 "May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
    Kelly V.

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  15. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    We do not know each other but my dearest friend posted your blog on FB and I want you to know that our entire family is praying for you and we have added you to our church's prayer chain. If someone has not done so already, I will also share your story with KLOVE so thousands will lift Levi in prayer. “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

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  16. PalomaAugust 8, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    I met Levi when I photographed Finley G's birthday party last year, but I clicked on the link not knowing who it was for, and as soon as I saw his sweet face I remembered meeting him. I'll definitely be praying for you and I'll share this link as well. Looking forward to the day we all hear good news! If there's some way I can help, let me know! -Paloma

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  17. Noelani BeanAugust 9, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    Wow, such a trying time for you and your family. Stay strong and know that the Lord works in some amazing ways. So many of us are on the outside looking in on your situation and are sending much love and respect your way. I will pray daily for you, my children will do the same. It is so hard to see a life affected by cancer, especially one so little. I will make sure to link your page/blog to my page. Once again my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need. I have 3 small via and couldn't imagine going through what you are dealing with! Stay strong and positive, the Lord is walking on this journey with you and will make sure that your family is protected! God Bless and may the angels be with you!

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  18. AnonymousAugust 9, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    We will pray for your precious Levi! He is beautiful! May God cradle you all in his loving and comforting arms as you walk this difficult road! God Bless! From Timberlake, NC

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  19. AnonymousAugust 9, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Your faith is inspiring, Dan and Kara. Thank you for sharing your story and inviting us to pray alongside you. Praying that you are overwhelmed by God's loving presence every moment of today and the next day and the next...BIG hugs to that precious family of yours!
    Love, Kelly Arreola (Goebel)

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  20. Sara M.August 9, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    I bleed the blood of Jesus over Levi and I declare that he is healed by the stripes of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. That tumor has to leave and Levi's body will work according to God's word.I lift up Levi and his family and call them blessed. Father fill them with your strength and let this be a testimony to all the people around them so they can see your power and mercy. AMEN.

    To Levi's mom and dad, Every day lay your hands on him and DECLARE out loud that his is healed and cast out any worry or doubt in your mind. The best thing you can do is give God glory through this hard time.

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  21. LaceyAugust 9, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    We will be praying for your beautiful baby. To Levis mommy and daddy keep your faith, it means everything! Love and cherish every single moment you have together. Dont give up <3

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  22. Skerritt ClanAugust 9, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Love you love you love you. That's all I got without going on and on about how special you all are to us and how much we love Levi and Kadan. Know we are here for you every step of the way. Big hugs and kisses. The Skerritt Clan

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  23. AnonymousAugust 9, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    A friend of mine posted a link to your blog on Facebook. I'm very sorry for what Levi and your entire family is going through right now. May you experience the depth of God's love for you and for Levi and be comforted by the fact that He is with you in each moment. Prayers from Michigan.

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  24. natasha hensonAugust 9, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    We are praying for you here at the homestead. We love you guys and know that our God will take care of Levi. Caleb and Hannah send their love and hope Levi can play soon :)

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  25. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    My cousin sent a message about little Levi. He and all who love him will be in my prayers. All the best from Winchester, CA

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  26. AnonymousAugust 11, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    As a mother of two small children, I know the love you have for your child. I am a believer and am committed to praying for Levi and his full recovering. We serve a powerful God!!! He will be with you and your family every step of the way. May the Lord's peace and presence be with you. - Carrie, Arizona.

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  27. Cecil BroughtonAugust 11, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Dear Dan and Kara, My daughter went through an 8+ hour brain tumor surgery over 23 years ago at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles.She has since gotten married and has had 2 beautiful children ages 17 and 15 and is very active in her community. I am believing that as my daughter did, Levi will recover and have a long and productive life. As my daughter went into that surgery, I realized that she didn't belong to me but to my Heavenly Father. Our Abba will be with Levi and Dr. Levy at this time in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
    Blessings to you!

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  28. Lani RadcliffeAugust 12, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I have Levi, his medical team and your entire family in my prayers at this very moment. I too will be at Rady today, as my 3 week old grandson Jaden is having heart surgery at 3:00pm. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the doctors at this hospital, and feel that both our little guys are in the best of care, medically and spiritually. God bless you and keep you strong.

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  29. AnonymousAugust 29, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Dear Dan and Kara-

    My brother was diagnosed with brain cancer just this February at the age of 37. He had surgery to remove the tumor behind his left ear and they removed about 95% of it. He finished a round of radiation and has to do chemotherapy for at least the next year. Your family is in my thoughts and paryers and know that you are definitely not alone when fighting this disease. God Bless

    Kristen

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