The Nihei's: Our Story

On April 1, 2008, our 4-year-old daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After her biopsy on April 8th it was determined that she had a bithalamic anaplastic astrocytoma with extension into her brain stem.

In the beginning of March we noticed a personality change in Lauren who normally is a very outgoing and happy-go-lucky kid. She became very clingy and shy. She didn't want to talk on the phone anymore, or play on the slide with the other kids at pre-school. By mid-March, Lauren started complaining about headaches. Her pediatrician thought it might be a sinus infection or that she may need glasses. He put her on antibiotics and we made an eye appointment.

A few days later when she started holding her head funny and her headaches returned we insisted on a CT scan. That's when her pediatrician sent us to the ER at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) for a CT scan, and when our world was turned upside down and our nightmare began...

Story continues at bottom of page

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Urgent Prayer Request

This posting is to ask all of our Prayer Warriors to say some special prayers for our friend Thomas. We met Thomas' mom at the Ronald McDonald House during our first stay there and have become close to them since then. Thomas has a rare form of brain cancer that has spread down his spinal cord. He has had multiple surgeries, chemo and radiation treatments. Last week, Thomas had fluid in his chest, which was drained, however this week there is now extra fluid in his chest and around his heart. Today the family was told that there could be a chance the fluid contains cancer cells since all the fluid tests indicate no infection.

Please pray:
- That the fluid does not contain any cancer cells.
- Thomas' body will begin to heal.
- That Thomas and his family continue to have the strength to keep fighting and facing the many challenges they have.
- For wisdom for his doctors (Thomas' doctor is Dr. Finlay, Lauren's doctor).

Thomas is a beautiful, sweet amazing 8-year-old. He has pretty much been in the hospital since he was diagnosed over 8 months ago.

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