We went in for our ultrasound today and CHOP and for the first time we received bad news. The tumor has grown significantly in the past 3 days. Frogger is in the danger zone big time. Dr.Flake explained that we have a window of time before the tumor will progress and it will be too late. He said we are candidates for the fetal surgery...the one where they put Kate under, open up the uterus with a very big incision, take out the bottom half of the baby, remove the teratoma, put the baby back in, and seal everything up. They have done fetal surgeries many times with a high success rate. However, they have only done 5 fetal surgeries on SCTs. 4 out of those 5 have survived. Delivering the baby early is not an option. The baby is at 25 weeks and when you mix prematurity and major surgery the results have never proved successful.
There is minimal risk to Kate yet it is surgery and surgery on the uterus. If surgery goes well she will be in the hospital 4 days for recovery. If successful, however, these SCT tumors tend to cause pre term labor. The average time the baby will stay in is a month. That would get us to 30 weeks which would significantly increase our chances of survival.
We meet with every doctor and specialist on this surgery today and get ready for surgery tomorrow around 10.
Being direct, this is our baby's only shot at making it. Kate and I both believe we came here just when we needed to come. A week late would probably have been too late. We need you to pray like crazy today and tomorrow. There's a chance that if he tumor grows wildly tonight that we wouldn't qualify for the surgery tomorrow. The doctor does not think that will happen but it is the risk. He said we could do surgery tonight but not all of the specialist and his team would be there. He think tomorrow the window of opportunity will still be there.
If I told you we weren't scared, I'd be lying through my teeth. We are shaking...literally. But I want to tell you this...we found this out less than an hour ago...and we have a peace about this like you wouldn't believe. I hope and pray that God will let us meet our baby. We know hope of that rides on tomorrow. But we also know that even if what we fear happens...God Is Still Good. We love you all and can't describe the love we have felt from you all. We need to ask you what we have been asking you to do. Pray. Please pray.
Travis & Kate, We are praying fervently for today, tonight and tomorrow. I believe God sent you there at this time for a reason also. You have the faith of a giant and your peace comes from above. We love you dearly and will continue our prayers.
ReplyDeleteMcKain Family
Just found your blog. Will keep you all in deep prayer in the coming hours, days and weeks. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteWow Travis. As I am reading this. I am so saddened by your trials but at the same time encouraged by your great faith. Please know that we are praying and praying for all three of you!!!!! In Christ"s love, Cindy Staubs
ReplyDeleteI do not know you, but, saw a link to your blog through a friend who has a mutual friend with you. I am sorry to read what you are going through with Baby Frogger, but, am so inspired by your strong faith. I will be praying that everything goes well tomorrow and "Frogger" is able to stay in utero until closer to August. May you feel His presence blessing you with peace, comfort, strength, and healing.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Janet
COLE'S Prayer Team
Another stranger praying hard for you and your family!I'll spread the word today to continue prayers!
ReplyDeletepraying for you both from here in maine! not sure i have ever met you, travis, but i did know your wife from my time at ovc:) may God grant you both the peace and unending strength to get through all of this. He is an amazing God....and we will be praying that you do indeed get to meet and hold this baby everyone is so dearly praying for. :) in Him, lisa sampson
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers big time!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFound your blog through Joyanna. Praying!!!
ReplyDeleteTravis and Kate~ The Bortell family is praying hard for your family tonight! Love, Jenny
ReplyDeleteTravis and Kate, Linda and I are praying for a good outcome tomorrow. We've notified the congregation and everyone is praying for you. Your faith and trust in God no matter the outcome is truly inspiring. We love you, Ted and Linda Blackwood
ReplyDeleteImmediate prayers friends! God is so good and is using you as examples of amazing christians! Thank you for stepping it up and sticking it out for God, it is truly inspiring!
ReplyDelete~ Kim Schafer
James 5:15-16-
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Your blog was shared with me through my cousin's wife so I don't know you but I know the mighty God we have in common and I will be interceding on your and your precious baby's behalf!
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for you ! Stay strong and know that God knows what is best!
ReplyDeletePsalm 29:11
ReplyDeleteThe Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
While you are in the Word tonight, read the power of this Psalm. I will be praying with you.
Praying for peace, comfort and healing for all. Our God is real good with tiny beings:) Keep praying and if you can, sing. Singing always helps me catch glimpses of God, and I know you would love as many as you can get right now. Love you two!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers are with you from Dan, Caitlyn and I. My heart aches for the challenges you are facing. You will be lifted in prayer not only today and tomorrow, but for the coming days, weeks, months...God's loving arms will surround you with strength and peace. We love you.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for "frogger" and Kate and you, Travis. You are so right, God is good, He is in control of all and we pray for His peace in your life right now. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You...our love and prayers are with you all...
ReplyDeletePraying fervently for all involved.
ReplyDeletePraying for you from Bellefontaine, Ohio.
ReplyDeleteGod has brought you to a place to be surrounded and supported by love as you walk this faith journey. We are uniting as one to pray for all 3 of your strength, stamina, and healing tomorrow and in the days ahead. To God be the glory... great things He has done... GIGATTAATTGIG
ReplyDeleteStill lifting you up to the throne, Travis and Kate. Prayers out to little Frogger. Thank you for the amazing, AMAZING testimony of peace and trust that you are demonstrating through this incredibly difficult time. Our God is the Great Physician, but also doubles as the Prince of Peace, meaning - He will be with you through anything you encounter. Love you guys, and lifting you up. When I'm not, the Spirit within me is talking on my behalf. Peace!
ReplyDelete- Eric Paris
Prayers are with you. God will take care of all 3 of you, and your surgeons, scrub nurses, recovery room nurses, everyone!
ReplyDeleteTravis and Kate, you are in my prayers. May God give you the strength you need.
ReplyDeleteTravis and Kate, my brother and sister recently went through serious complications with a defect my nephew had while in the womb. Long story short, many babies with the same problem don't develop neaaarly as well as he did, nor do they recover as quickly and well as he has. I consider all of this the work of His hands. He is the one to thank, praise and glorify. His power transcebds our understanding and He is listening to our pleas and is MORE than capable of healing frogger completely. I admire your faith and I know God is pleased with you and Kate for remaining faithful even during a time as trying as this. You are all in my thoughts and prayer. Rest assured tonight knowing those of us awake on this side of the world are continuing te prayers on your behalf. Love you, Kate and frogger. Prayers for peace, comfort, God's intervention through doctors during surgery, and a quick recovery of Kate as well as energy and strength for you while you take care of her!! Keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteOur Father in Heaven
ReplyDeleteWe pray to you now
Take care of our Frogger
As only you know how
Hold Kate so tightly
In your loving arms
Let her feel your presence
And keep her from harm
Please be with Travis
Who waits in prayer
With all the family
And others who care
We are asking for a miracle
We pray it is your plan
Please guide the medical team
As only you can
Frogger is blessed
To have Travis and Kate
Such loving parents
As they patiently wait
We love you Heavenly Father
Our future is in your hands
Our faith remains strong
No matter your plan
He's got the whole world in His hands and right now your whole world is going to be in that operating room. May He hold steady the hands of the surgeons and the life of your sweet little one. (friends of Jeff and Tonnie)
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your precious baby! I don't know you but I do know Peter and Becky Clark who shared your story with me. Praying hard for success!
ReplyDeleteYou don´t know us, Travis, and Kate, and we have never met you, but we want you to know that missionaries in a frontier jungle town, with wimpy internet, are praying for you and your little baby. Thank you for sharing your story and testimony of trust in the Lord.
ReplyDeletePrayers for your sweet little family. You don't know me, I am the mom of a friend of a friend... but I am also asking our Gracious God to be with you right now and with the surgeons. Prayers for continued blessings. God is Good all the time!
ReplyDeleteDear Travis, Kate, and your unborn child. I do not know you but my sister-in-law Cindy Staubs posted your information. God Bless you guys as you enter this journey. God will see you through as he sees fit. I pray that all goes well and the outcome is what you desire. I can't imagine what you guys are going through but know that others are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
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ReplyDelete