I feel like we are dodging bullet right and left - the tumor was completely removed - there was no permanent damage to Malorie's nervous system during the removal of the tumor - no additional tumors in the brain or spine - no cancer cells in her cerebral-spinal fluid. I am tremendously grateful to God for seeing us through these hurdles. So tonight, I am happy. Tomorrow, we begin to determine the course of treatment that will bring us again to the depths of despair. But tonight, tonight I reflect and say thanks.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Waiting Game - Update II
I have been solemn for what seems like a year, especially for a cut-up like me. Tonight, I am cutting loose. Mal's results from her CSF scan came back negative for any cancer cells. Not only does this increase her chances of beating this cancer, but it also enables us to have only the localized radiation. Localized radiation, which will only be administered to the site of her brain tumor, will greatly reduce the permanent effects of the radiation. She stands a far lesser chance of suffering learning disabilities related to the treatment, and she should not have any problems with her growth, which could have been stunted if she needed spinal radiation.
I feel like we are dodging bullet right and left - the tumor was completely removed - there was no permanent damage to Malorie's nervous system during the removal of the tumor - no additional tumors in the brain or spine - no cancer cells in her cerebral-spinal fluid. I am tremendously grateful to God for seeing us through these hurdles. So tonight, I am happy. Tomorrow, we begin to determine the course of treatment that will bring us again to the depths of despair. But tonight, tonight I reflect and say thanks.
I feel like we are dodging bullet right and left - the tumor was completely removed - there was no permanent damage to Malorie's nervous system during the removal of the tumor - no additional tumors in the brain or spine - no cancer cells in her cerebral-spinal fluid. I am tremendously grateful to God for seeing us through these hurdles. So tonight, I am happy. Tomorrow, we begin to determine the course of treatment that will bring us again to the depths of despair. But tonight, tonight I reflect and say thanks.
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Billy, thanks for posting on Natalie's caring bridge site. Our circumstances are indeed eerily similar (twin boy & girl 2 year olds within a month, daughter with ependymoma brain tumor & similar diagnosis). We will definitely be keeping an eye on Mal & be praying for you all. I understand the tough decision you are having to make with the clinical trial. Our Oncologist, Dr. Nicholas Foreman, is the lead of the study and I can't imagine us having a better doctor. And yet we still decided not to do the study. It is a hard decision wanting to do the best for your daughter to give her the best shot while minimizing their pain & risk of other serious problems. They did not pressure us either way, and as they said, they have no idea if the chemo will help one way or the other. If they did then it would be the recommended treatment instead of just a study. I think you just have to make the best decision possible and not hold onto the what ifs. We finally just decided we did not want her to suffer through the pain and serious risks of chemo for a treatment that is not proven to help yet. We'd be happy to exchange emails for back & forth information, questions, advice, etc. My email is bosborn at gmail dot com. It is tough for us to realize that there is no returning to normal after your child gets a brain tumor. Wednesday is our first MRI since finishing the surgeries & radiation. Wednesday night we will either be a very happy family at our house, or be starting this process over. Brian
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteRejoicing with you for the news today that gives respite to the spirit and reminder that God's faithfulness is at work.
ReplyDeletebilly, i'm sure rachel has shared my text messages with you this week... but we were absolutely DELIRIOUS WITH JOY last night once we got the news. prayers of thanksgiving and of continued strength. mal pal is a WARRIOR!!! we love you guys.
ReplyDeleteThe news is better than any Christmas gift - ever.
ReplyDeleteCelebrating the GREAT news, and praying constantly for you to feel God's guidance while you're making this enormous decision, and to feel His Peace once the decision is made. Will also be praying for little Natalie and her family in the post above. Blessings and much, much love.
ReplyDelete