Day 1

This isn't the first day of Natalee's illness, but its the first day of the blog, and we decided that the best way to keep everyone updated and keep the phone from ringing off the hook was to make as much information available as possible. Plus, we know how easy it is for information to get confused or distorted.

Last week Natalee started experiencing some severe (but inconsistent) stomach pain. After visiting her primay care physician and undergoing the first of many diagnostic tests, she was found to have a large tumor in her stomach. At that point the doctor referred her to Legacy Emanuel Hospital for further testing and review.

Since she has been admitted, Natalee has undergone multiple biopsies, ultrasounds, CT scans, x-rays and all sorts of blood work. A full body bone scan was completed this afternoon. Tomorrow morning she is scheduled for a heart ultrasound and then she will undergo a PET scan in the afternoon at Providence Portland.

Natalee's team of doctors, led by Dr. Janice Olson, have determined that Natalee does in fact have cancer, however, they do not yet know what type, or what stage the cancer has progressed to.

What we do know is this:

• The tumor is large and has displaced Natalee's left kidney
• They have found "spots" in her kidney & lung
• The tentative treatment plan currently calls for the use of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and other cancers to make them easier to remove
• The doctors are being very cautious before making any kind of specific diagnosis; it could take up to a week before they have all the data necessary

Natalee is being incredibly brave, but she is frightened and tired of being poked and prodded (and who wouldn't be in the same situation). This is all very overwhelming and difficult for the family to process, especially as they wait for a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Sherri has asked me to act as an liasion and I will update this blog as soon as I receive new information. She would like me to convey her gratitude for all the support and love and prayers.