Just over 3 weeks ago, my 3-year-old nephew, my sister’s older son, was diagnosed with cancer. He’s got a very large tumor on his kidney. The “good” news is that it was determined to be a very treatable kind, a Wilms tumor, with a very high rate of survival (90%). While we are very optimistic, things continue to be uncertain from day-to-day. (And sometimes even from hour to hour. I have learned today that my nephew will go in for surgery this afternoon.)
My sister started a blog to share updates, and she has given me permission to share the link. She has been very eloquently describing the emotional roller-coaster that has been this past few weeks.
We would greatly appreciate your positive thoughts, emotional support and/or prayers. All denominations and belief systems gladly accepted.
collecting tokens 
Oh man. :(
I’m so sorry. Things sound hopeful, but still, how scary. I’m adding her blog to my reader. Thanks for sharing the link.
Thanks, Leslie. I’m glad you’ll be following her updates.
Oh honey! I can imagine how hard this is on everybody. But as you say, it’s treatable, and so lots of hope there.
*hugs*
Thanks, az. Yes, we’re really grateful for the treatable part. I’m so grateful for all of the advances in medicine of the last few decades.
I will keep your nephew and your family in my thoughts and prayers. It just sucks. I wish no one EVER had to go through something like that, least of all a sweet little boy.
It’s very strange, but just yesterday night I was reading a short story collection by Lorrie Moore, and the last piece in it was actually a non-fiction essay about the author’s three year old son’s illness – also a Wilm’s tumor on one of his kidneys. It’s difficult to read (though her son is now better), but might also be helpful to a parent who is going through what sounds like the exact same thing. If you’d like, I could send you (or your sister) my copy.
Sending you all my best . . .
xo
Thanks, Rima. And wow, that is a coincidence about reading the essay involving Wilms. I’d never even heard of it before all this started with my nephew.
I keep meaning to ask my sister if she’d be interested in the book. If she’s not, I am. I’ll get back to you.
yikes. my love and my heart go out, and i send them his way. and yours.
xo
Many thanks, Bon. I appreciate it.
Oh no, how awful! That must be about the scariest thing for a parent to go through, even if (thank goodness) it is a highly treatable cancer. Your poor sister. I wish her and her son–and the rest of the family, including you–all the best of luck, and I’ll keep you all in my very strongest spiritual-ish-Jewish-atheist prayers.
Thanks, Sally. Yes, I think this qualifies as a nightmare scenario for a parent.
Thanks so much for your “very strongest spiritual-ish-Jewish-atheist prayers.” I appreciated the description as well as the sentiment.
Sorry to hear this. Sending good thoughts your way.
Thanks, Kitty. Good thoughts are appreciated.
Poor little thing – I hope everything works out perfectly.
Thanks, magpie. Fingers are crossed.
Oh, how awful. Oh, wow. I hope everything turns out well for him!
Thanks, Jennifer. Here’s hoping!
Wow, that is a lot to take in. Positive thoughts and hugs coming your (and your sister and nephew’s) way.
One of the things that I’ve been practicing lately in yoga is sending intention and honoring someone who needs positive vibes…I’ll think of you guys next time.
Thanks, heather. I appreciate the positive vibes, and the extra boost they’ll get from your yoga!
I went to your sister’s website and saw that the tumor is out! Ok. I will not shout or scream. I will knock on wood. Keep my fingers crossed while continuing to be thinking of you and your family.
Thanks, subWOW. I’m glad you’re following the updates there. And thanks for reminding me to update here!
I will be holding you all in the light.
Thanks, blc. That sounds lovely.
Positive thoughts are on their way!
Thanks, Mark. They are gladly received.
I’m so very sorry … I’m glad the surgery went well.