Great News!!!

After visiting with the Psychiatrist who issues Stephan's Ritalin on Monday, she has taken him off the meds until all test results are in. She had some real concerns about the heart murmur and the effects Ritalin could potential have on his system - glad we're not the only ones!

Yesterday, I met Debbie and Stephan at St. Mary's Hospital for the lymph node scan and possible biopsy. It seems that the antibiotics have been doing their job as Stephan's nodes were reduced to normal size. Stephan was a bit cranky about having to miss school, but his normal charming self came out after we spoke to the Radiologist. The doctor told us about the scan and his opinion was to NOT do a biopsy as the cells have returned to normal and there apears to be no issue at this point. He assured us that if they became enlarged again, to make an appointment directly with his staff and bring Stephan back in for a closer look. He also mentioned that since Stephan had not had any previous cancer issues, he was 99.9% sure that this was caused from an infection within his body and the antibiotics were doing their job.

What a relief it was to hear this; we will be following Stephan's health closely for a few weeks just to make sure everything is good. The next step is the echocardiogram scheduled with Children's Mercy South in Overland Park on the 11th of March - that's when we'll find out about the heart murmur and put this to bed for good!

I have been at peace about this issue since I put it in God's hands and had all you who have been reading these blogs praying for Stephan. The prayers have helped my family to put our trust in the doctor's abilities as well as relied upon God to take the brunt of the uncertainty from our daily lives. I know that if the prognosis had been different up to this point, our faith would not waiver and we would be doing what was needed without alot of the dramatics that come when you don't have that personal relationship with Christ! Thanks again so much for the prayer - please keep them coming!

I made a point of stopping by Stephan's school after I dropped him off and gave the Principal fair warning that he was no longer on his meds - I figured I owed it to them!