Inpatient Day #20
In support of
Cody's Comeback
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Cody's Comeback
Our sweet boy has been through so much. Four weeks ago, Cody had his right adrenalectomy and a full lymph node dissection, where his team removed dozens and dozens of lymph nodes. Following that surgery, Cody developed what’s called a chyle leak, which is a rare complication where lymphatic fluid (which carries fat and immune cells) leaks into the abdomen instead of flowing through the lymphatic system.
Treatment for a chyle leak typically starts with bowel rest, IV nutrition (TPN), and medications like octreotide to try to help the leak close on its own. When that doesn’t work, Interventional Radiology (IR) can step in to locate and seal the leak through a procedure called lymphangiography and embolization, where dye is injected to map out the lymphatic system and glue or coils are used to seal the leak.
Cody has now had two of these IR procedures, but unfortunately, the leak is still not improving. They were able to identify one large leak, but the IR team suspects there may be another one higher up that they couldn’t safely reach.
So today, at 2:30 PM, Cody will go back into surgery. His general surgeon will have to reopen the same incision from his adrenalectomy...one that just healed from his massive surgery four weeks ago. It’s devastating. He was finally starting to move comfortably and gain strength again, and now we’re facing his fifth procedure in less than four weeks. It’s so much for his little 3-year-old body.
Our hearts are heavy beyond words, but we are holding on to faith, trusting that the Lord is protecting us from something far greater that we can’t yet see.
If all goes well, chemo is tentatively planned to resume Wednesday or Thursday, depending on how the drainage looks post-surgery.
Please pray:
- For guidance and wisdom over the surgeons — this is a procedure they’ve never had to perform before.
- For the chyle leak to stop completely.
- For Cody’s strength, healing, and protection.
- For chemo to go smoothly, and that we can finally go home early next week.
What we thought would be a short recovery has turned into a nearly month-long hospital stay, one we never saw coming. But we’re clinging to hope and to the promise that even here — even in the heartbreak — God is near.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2–3
Thank you, truly, for every prayer, message, and act of love. We feel them all. 💛
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