Friday, December 24, 2010

Jessica's Story

After a couple of weeks of Jessica not eating well, Jessica’s mom, Chandra, became worried. Jessica's stomach felt bloated and Chandra felt it was due to constipation. After a visit to their doctor on the morning of December 21st, they were immediately sent to the hospital for more tests. After a few hours their worst nightmare was confirmed; sweet little Jessica had cancer. That evening, Jessica, her parents, and her baby brother Jacob were on a flight from St. George to Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Jessica has been diagnosed with Wilms Tumor. After a needle biopsy Wednesday morning did not reveal enough information, a surgical biopsy was performed Thursday and a portion of the tumor was removed. Due to the size of the tumor the doctors want to start an aggressive form of chemo so that the tumor will pull away from other organs and be easier to remove. The biopsys will help doctors to pinpoint the exact type of Wilms and to choose the specific chemotherapy that will be most effective.

Wilms Tumor is a cancer of the kidneys that typically occurs in children age 3 to 4. Since Jessica's cancer has spread beyond the kidneys, it is considered Stage 4 . This sounds pretty scary and there may be a long road ahead, but with faith, prayers, and great doctors and nurses at Primary Childrens, we are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.

Jessica is 4 years old and the 3rd child of Chandra and Cody Schmitt. She has 2 older sisters, Annalise (9) and Alyson (7), and 2 younger brothers, Caleb (3) and Jacob (3 months).

Chandra and Cody are overwhelmed with all of the love and concern that has been shown to them at this difficult time. They are so thankful for friends and family and the wonderful caregivers at Primary Children's Hospital.

Posted by: Sara (Chandra's sister)

28 comments:

  1. We love Jessica! We love the Schmitts! We pray for all of them! May they be comforted during this difficult time by the prayers, fasting, and faith of the numerous people who care so much! God bless all of them!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SPECIAL FAST THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26th!

    YARD SALE/BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER FOR JESSICA
    January 8th at 7:30 AM @ 163 South 2060 East
    Saint George, Utah
    Donate items to address listed above until
    January 8th. Bring baked goods the day of.
    Come and shop or simply donate. ALL
    proceeds will be put in a trust fund for
    the Schmitts to help pay medical bills.
    Questions: Call Ann or John (435)656-2688
    Call Mary or Kelton (435)703-1217

    ReplyDelete
  3. We continue to pray our little hearts out!!!! I thought about your family all night.

    ReplyDelete
  4. We love you Jessica and all of the Scchmitts. You are in our prayers and wish we could put our arms around you for a great BIG HUG! Can't wait to see you when you can get to come home! Luv, John and Ann Jeffress

    ReplyDelete
  5. We love you so very much Jessica and heavenly father is watching over you! Chandra and Cody we know you will be home soon! Everyday your family is in our prayers! Give beautiful sweet Jessica a kiss from us! Wishing you a Merry Christmas with love,hugs and hope! May you be comforted every step of this journey!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my goodness my heart goes out to you! You are an amazing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Tara West

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sweet, sweet little Jessica. We hope to see you jumping, skipping, toe touching, and twinkle toeing around very soon. You and your family our in the thoughts and prayers of many. Sending lots of sparkly Merry Christmas rainbows your way!- Miss Alicia :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am constantly sending positive thoughts your way. You are all amazing people with great energy and I know that optimistic spirit will pull you all through these difficult times. Let Annalise know Mrs. Andrew loves her and will look forward to seeing her back at school soon. Let us know how we can help. Love you all.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was wondering if I could somehow get in touch with you. My daughter was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma 21 months ago, and a heart condition shortly after. When she was originally diagnosed we were living in St. George and making that commute. Luckily we had family up here. I have three other girls. My oldest are 9 and 7. I know how hard it is on the other kiddos. I know I am a stranger, but I would love to be here for you or your girls. My email is rebeccacason1@yahoo.com and our little girls website is www.blesselliesheart.blogspot.com. I will pray for your little girl. Becca

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just got the news & was so saddened for this tough time in your life. You guys are an amazing family & I look up to you for your strength. Your cute family is in our prayers. We love you,
    The Curtis Family

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just found your blog via another that I follow. I know we are strangers but wanted to let you know I am praying for your sweet little girl to be healed and healthy and for peace for y'all too.

    ~KK

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Maralea and I were concerned, read Lori's post but had not known the details. Love you so much and will be talking with angels often.

    ReplyDelete
  13. We send our love and prayers to your family and are praying constantly for Jessica's miracle.
    I know Heavenly Father will send blessings to all of you!

    --The Allton Family

    ReplyDelete
  14. We miss you next door! Please know that we are thinking of and praying for you! Know that if you or your family needs anything, we would love to help (we like having kids around). Give little Jessica a hug for us (and tell her to get well soon!)and take care of yourselves. And Sara (I think it was Sara), thank you so much for starting this blog, so we know what's going on and don't have to call and interrupt this very important family time!

    Rudi and Sally Verhoeven

    ReplyDelete
  15. Posted on my sidebar of blog.. let the prayer chain begin... praying for you and your sweet family! God is good.... prayers coming to you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. May you know that prayers are lifting for your daughter. I am so sorry this has happened ... miracles happen, HE is hearing our every word. Blessings to you all ~
    TTFN ~
    Marydon

    ReplyDelete
  17. We miss you and pray for your family every day. I'm so grateful you have such wonderful support from your extended family. Even though we're miles away, your ward family thinks about you daily and everyone is concerned and praying for a miracle.
    Bev Smith

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello dear friends in CHRIST!

    My heart is aching reading this story. I am the mother of 5 year old triplets. I can not imagine the pain that Jessica's parents are going through at this time.

    I grew up in SLC, my sister was extremely ill as a child and spent a long time at Primary Children Hospital. They are the best hospital. I hope their excellent care gives some peace to her parents.

    We are across the country in Toledo, Ohio. I have put little Jessica on our prayer chain.

    You are in my thoughts and prayers,
    Shelley

    ReplyDelete
  19. Chandra and Cody~
    Just found out about your little Jessica! So sorry to hear the news! Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and know that Heavenly Father will be watching out for all of you! Have faith! Miracles happen!
    Love, Clayton & Michelle Holbrook and Family

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'll keep her in my prayers!! Love you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cody and Chandra,

    I just heard about Jessica. I am so sorry. My heart aches for her and your sweet family. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers.

    Love, Emily Cieslewicz Jepsen

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sweet Chandra and Cody,
    I just heard about your life changes and read your blog (thanks Sara)... We will join in the prayers and fasting. Your family is so beautiful! What a great work you two are about! Our Father in Heaven hears us and everything will work out for the best. Jessica is so darling, we hope she gets some quesadilla with ranch soon! So happy Joan is able to be with you.
    Sending tons of Love, JeNee Hutchinson

    ReplyDelete
  23. Chandra and Cody,
    We heard about Jessica just as we were leaving to see the lights on Temple Square. I wanted to come to the hospital, but Albert felt it would be an intrusion. Please know how much we love you and that we have been praying for you and Jessica. We want to help in any way that we can.
    cmuch love, Albert & Judy

    ReplyDelete
  24. I can't even begin to imagine what you guys are going through. I admire your strength and positivity. Children are amazing, they can pull through anything! Love you guys. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Chandra and Cody -
    We just heard about Jessica. We have you all in our prayers! Sending our love -
    Danell and Tony Trenholm

    ReplyDelete
  26. All of the Cannons have you in our thoughts and prayers as well. Things like this only happen to the best families. I know it is hard to see at the time but this is a great blessing that our Heavenly Father has given to all those involved to further our growth here on this earth. I pray that you are all strengthened and blessed tremendously for this trial you get to endure. I love you and am reading your story daily so keep the posts coming.
    love-
    Becky Cannon Clark

    ReplyDelete
  27. Chandra, I just found out. My heart aches for all of you. Please know that you, Jessica and your family are in our prayers. We will do all we can to help here. Much love and faith coming your way, Rachel (Stephenson) Robins

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh my goodness! My heart goes out to you! I also have a 4 yr old and I can't imagine what you must be going through. I will pray for you and hope all goes well for you and your sweet child!

    ReplyDelete