Mighty Man Will Lanicek

Monday Will had his third round of chemo and a CT Scan. On the way to the hospital, it was still dark outside. Tracy Chapman’s song Fast Car came on the radio. Those of you that know me know that I lost my best friend Katy 4 years ago. This song reminds me so much of her. I remember driving around in her little red car singing at the top of our lungs then arguing over if Tracy Chapman was a man or woman. I immediately smiled when I heard the intro chords through my radio. In my heart, I knew it was a sign from her that she was with us. Then across the sky, a star shot down right in front of us. I was for sure it was her letting me know everything is going to be ok. I’ve held onto that moment.

Monday went well. Will was sleep-deprived and hungry from the pre-scan orders but did fine once he could rest and have a bottle. The scan results came back showing a reduction in the tumor from every aspect. He began chemo and responded well to everything so well they let us go home Tuesday.

Our oncologist told me kids with this type of cancer on the standard treatment are often inpatient for weeks or months following treatment. We are so blessed we were awarded the trial drug and qualified for the trial.

Today we had our follow up appointment with the surgeon from Will’s biopsy. During this appointment, I was told what would happen next in regards to Will’s resection (removal of the tumor) surgery. I was in shock and terrified so I will try and do the best I can to get all the information out here.

First, I completely trust our surgeon and oncology staff and know what they have planned is the best route for Will.

The surgeon was very pleased with the reduction of the tumor. He said the tumor is mushy now and he would like for us to go one more round of chemo to build a little scar tissue around the tumor before he goes in. (I feel like that’s a run-on sentence, sorry) After the 4th round of chemo in two weeks we will wait a week or two for Will’s blood count levels to rebound from the chemo. The surgeon will go in and remove the left side of Will’s liver, the tumor, and his gallbladder. When the tumor ruptured it began possibly growing another little tumor. He said he would remove that and clean all the side walls. I am not sure what side walls because at this point of the conversation I am pretty sure I looked like a deer in headlights.

No, I do not know why his gallbladder has to be removed. I was too in shock and scared to ask. No, I do not know if there is for sure another tumor or if it was something on the scan he believed could be. I was too in shock and scared to ask. No, I do not know what happens after other than we finish chemo at some point. I was too in shock and scared to ask.

The good thing is everyone at Cook Children’s is phenominal. The surgeon obviously knew I was processing and told me to reach out by phone or email with any questions. He was even kind enough to offer to come over while we are at our oncology appointment next Monday if needed.

It sucks Billy can not go to these appointments. Well technically he could and I could stay home but he has been very understanding and kind and let me go instead of him. Please for the love of God WEAR YOUR MASK so we can both be with our baby when he has this major surgery. Wear your mask for Will, please, I am truly begging you.

I have tried to stay positive, but today it was hard. I can say on the bright side he is not having a complete liver transplant like some kids do with hepatoblastoma. I know we and the Cook’s team are doing what is best for Will. It is just so scary. Please continue praying for us.

-Amanda