The Lord, the God of King David, says, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. And I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5
Well this is the first journal entry for Alyssa's new site. I want to give a brief but descriptive background so that those who are new to getting to know us they know what we've been through as a family.
Our journey with Alyssa's brain tumor begins on July 2nd, 2004. Alyssa was only 16 months old when she was shockingly diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her prognosis has always been a good one but who wants to hear that their only child has a brain tumor? I mean really?
My name is Erika and I'm Alyssa's Mama. I will be writing on behalf of Alyssa as she is only 5 years old. So this story is her journey but in a loving Mother's eyes. Alyssa has a wonderful Daddy named Tony and we have been happily married for 6 years. We also have a adorable little boy named Isaac who graced us with his presence in June 05 and a sweet baby boy Gunnar who graced us with his presence this July 07! You can't know about Alyssa without knowing she loves her puppies *Boxers* Brutus, Bella and Bronco and her fat cat *tabby* Bill. She is a lover of Disney Princess', Ballet, Tap, Cheerleading, Hannah Montana, and anything girly. A lover of music *especially Comtemporary Christian* and is the BEST big sister around!
I am so happy to say that although our road has been bumpy and curvy along the way Alyssa has remained strong and in turn helped us really focus on the Father.
We are a very loving Christian Family. We came to know the Lord shortly after our daughter's diagnosis. My husband is Active Duty Air Force and I was as well. We decided after Alyssa's diagnosis that it would be best for me to be at home w/her so I got out of the service. It was a hard and easy decion at the same time.
July 2, 2004 will forever remain in our memories as the day the world stopped...for a brief moment. We heard what the doctor's were saying but it was all a blur. We spent the evening at the Children's Hospital in Birmingham Alabama and we didn't even imagine what we were going to go through.
July 3rd it was confirmed. Our baby - our only child had a brain tumor. Shock and fear rose up inside us as we looked at her so innocent - she had no clue what was going to be going on...neither did we. It was that night I gave my life to Christ.
We were told it was "most likely" a hypothalamic Glioma and that the prognosis was a bright one. We were sent home and told to retun on July 6th for a brain biopsy. Brain surgery on a 16 month old.
I had this overwhelming sence of peace. One that I couldn't explain but begged God to make it stay forever...it is still here! I know it was because I had become HIS child...a child of God and he took care of all my fear.
We returned to Birmingham on July 6th with my Mother in Law and we could do was pray. I walked my daughter to the "red line" and watched her get wisked away with some stranger. I never said good-bye. I KNEW God was in control and he'd be using our sweet girl for his glory --- AND HE HAS!
Her surgery lasted about 3 hours. The neurosurgeon walked in our room...he had a beautiful smile on his face and said "You have angels on your side". "Alyssa's tumor is exactly what I suspected. It's the 'candy' of tumors. It is NOT cancer. IT IS TREATABLE and suckable if need be. She is doing great and you'll be able to see her soon." Still with a smile he walked away and I just stood there in awe of what just took place. Alyssa looked great. As soon as we saw her she put her hands up and said "paci" .... I handed her the "paci" and she sucked on it and smiled then went to sleep. Not 4 hours after surgery here comes her doc. He says..."the ICU is getting full. If there are needs for more beds I feel confident Alyssa is doing so well I can put her in the step down unit. Is that okay with you?" What? Really? She's doing THAT well? OF COURSE!! Praise God....
Alyssa started chemo therapy on July 28, 2004 and had it until October 20, 2005. Scans were showing shrinkage 65% to be exact and she was hardly effected by them! She did have low counts a couple times but nothing drastic. One hospital stay for 1 week with low counts but again, not drastic. She took to treatment's well. No hair loss. Minimal nausea. It was good.
After chemo we were doing MRI's every 3 months. She didn't want her port taken out...she was adiment about that. We waited for her last scan and if it was stable out with the port...
On December 6, 2006 the scan showed slight growth. Normal for this tumor...where her tumor is located we'd rather not do surgery...so, she was accepted into a new study of Carboplatin and Vinblastine. She is 1 of 18 individual's WORLD WIDE in this study! How awesome is God that he chose her? This WILL be the study that proves not only is he blessing these patients...but MILLIONS will be cured!
So here we are. A new journey. A journey of hope. A hope for the cure. A fight against the JPA and a time to Praise him for ALL he does!
Alyssa's prognosis is long and strong! We KNOW he's using her to spread his truth - she is strong. She is in love with Jesus and we KNOW he will prevail! He is ABLE!
We appreciate everyone's prayers. Feel free to send her site on to anyone you know. The more the Father hears our cries...the happier he is!
Share our story w/others! We do in hopes of allowing Alyssa to share the word of God!!
**Alyssa's tunor has grown a couple times since 2006. BUT...we know who is in control and we DON'T allow the enemy to take that away from HIM!!!**
In HIS Grip,
The Key Family
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