Another early morning heading to Children’s Hospital today to find out the results of last weeks bone biopsy and PET scan. Only 18 days have gone by since the initial X-ray indicating Jacob may have an aggressive form of bone cancer. The wait has been excruciatingly long, but we are thankful for some of the normal days in between and that Jacob got to attend his grade 7 grad! It was a beautiful and an emotional evening for us.
Our day at Children’s started out with an IV line to hydrate Jacob before the kidney testing started. During this time we had a visit from the orthopedic surgeon to check on Jacob’s biopsy incision, and the physiotherapist to give Jacob his new set of crutches and a lesson on how to use them properly. 
We headed down to nuclear medicine after this so they could inject radioactive dye in before his scans and bloodwork which would happen throughout the day to measure his kidney function.
Then it was time for the big meeting of the day. The oncologist, nurse, and social worker met with us to discuss the results. The suspicions were correct and Jacob does have osteosarcoma in his femur. The tumor is large, and they see what is called a “skip lesion” which is another section of cancer aboove the original tumor. The PET scan shows no sign of spread anywhere else, which is very good news. They do not consider the second tumor to be a metastasis because it is contained in the same bone. Below is a picture from the PET scan showing the tumor in his femur. It’s not pretty and was very difficult for us to see. 
On a humorous note, Jacob has named his tumor. Delores Umbridge. A villain from Harry Potter. Our mission is to kill Delores as quickly and effectively as possible and in whatever way is needed. We know there will be some drastic measures and changes involved, but we are all willing to fight this monster with everything we have.
Tomorrow morning, early again 😐 I will bring Jacob in for surgery to put his chemo port into his chest. We will be admitted to the oncology ward after that and chemo therapy will begin on Saturday morning for several days. Jacob will be in the hospital for 5-7 days for he first round of chemo. There will be 10 weeks of chemo before the surgery to remove the tumor.
This news is not shocking for us, as we knew deep down that this is what we were going to be dealing with. That does not make it any easier to digest, but we know that with the support of family, friends, our church community, and God…that we are not alone. We continue to cling to God and his promises, knowing he loves Jacob very much.
The day ended with some hearing tests and an echocardiogram to get baseline testing of his hearing and heart function. 12 hours later and we are back at home, ready to begin this new chapter and to get our son healthy again.
We appreciate your prayers, and all the support we are being shown through this difficult journey we are on.
Every Step - Jacob’s fight against osteosarcoma 
Thank you so much for this update. Some pretty scary things to digest, but so thankful it hasn’t spread! We pray Delores is quickly defeated!! We pray Jabob stays strong, and keeps his sense of humor. We pray for you and Ray and family that you continue to put your hope and faith in our Father, and that He continues to give you all you need.
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Prayers for Jacob in this journey and for you and your kids as you go this path with him. May God bless the treatment with fully restored health.
C Vandeburgt
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We have prayed for and will continue to uphold Jacob and you all in our prayers. May our Great Healer grant healing if it is His will. I love his humor!! Even though I have not watched Harry Potter, I had a good chuckle and am happy to see he hasn’t lost his sense of humor.
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Tracey, Ray and Jacob, you continue to be in our prayers. We will ask God to bless the hands and minds of the medical team so that Delores can be beaten. We pray that God will give you the strength for each new day. May he also grant you traveling mercies as you go to and from the hospital.
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We have been praying for Jacob and your family. May you feel the care and love of the Great Physician as He carries you through this trial. We pray for healing and the strength to endure this all.
Bob and Debbie Johnson (Lynden, ARC)
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I am thankful that it hasn’t spread, but I am sad you will be in the hospital for so long. We are praying for you. God is watching over you Jacob. Love Summer
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Tracy and Ray, Jacob, boys,
Congratulations with graduation. It is good to celebrate milestones. Thanks for sharing. It is encouraging that you are being taken care of and that we have a good medical system. Destroy that Prof. Umbridge! She’s evil. (and her cats…)
God’s blessings,
from the B&D Huttema family
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I don’t know you personally, but I am praying for Jacob that he may be healed and given the strength, determination and patience needed to fight this battle! May God also be near to you as parents, as well as the rest of your family granting you strength and peace as you rest and really on our Heavenly Father!!
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Thanks for the update Tracy. After a long day I’m sure you are exhausted. So much to take in. We will continue to pray that God will give you all the strength you need for this battle. “Trust in Him. “ ❤️ Marc&Nicole
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I don’t know you personally, but because our family has gone through a serious cancer journey we understand the fear and many unknowns you are facing. It’s a tough journey. Take it one day at a time. Accept all the help that is offered. Praying for strength and peace and good results of the treatment. ❤💙
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Appreciate the updates. Wishing you and your family strength from above.
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I love that Jacob has a sense of humour about things! He’s ready to fight and has a strong army supporting him! Claim that verse and pray it everyday Tracy! You guys are in our prayers everyday, thanks for sharing each step!
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Dear Jacob, Ray and Tracey – I was praying for you a lot today knowing you had this big appointment. Praying you will feel God’s surrounding care through the days and weeks ahead. May He guide the doctors and bless the treatments and bring Jacob back to good health.
Psalm 91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Praying you and your whole family and circle of friends will find your strength in Him and will be able to trust Him more and more.
It’s hard to know just what to say. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Uncle John and Aunt Dorothy
On Thu, Jun 21, 2018 at 6:47 PM, Every Step – Jacob’s Journey wrote:
> traceybredenhof posted: “Another early morning heading to Children’s > Hospital today to find out the results of last weeks bone biopsy and PET > scan. Only 18 days have gone by since the initial X-ray indicating Jacob > may have an aggressive form of bone cancer. The wait has been exc” >
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Our prayers go up for Jacob while he puts on the fight for his life and you as family while you go through this trying time. May you be supported and surrounded continuously by all of your family and friend. May Delores be defeated!!! Love his humor and positivity 🙂
In Christ’s love, Matt & Kerry Breukelman
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Continuing to pray for you all. May God strengthen you. Thank you for the updates. Jacob, trust your Father in heaven, He will be with you on this journey as you defeat Delores Umbridge! May God also be with your doctors. ❤
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Thinking and praying for u all. Thankyou for the update. May you be continuely strengthened by God, family and friend as you go forward in all that is needed for Jacob to become well again. Take care ❤❤
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God bless and keep you all close to Him as you embark on this most difficult journey. God is near to all who are cast down and challenged in heart, soul and body. You will find rest in him! I knew your grandpa and grandma Devries well in Elora, ON, and your grandpa would often encourage us to keep faith, walk close to the Lord, finding solace and happiness in him. Wise words that haven’t been forgotten when our life’s journey became a real challenge!
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Such a hard road to travel…you are in our prayers. 💕
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Delores needs to go! That is quite the scan, scary to see for sure. Our continued prayers for strength and endurance.
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Sending love and prayers for Jacob and the whole family, may God bless and hold you safe in his love during this difficult time and always.
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