Exam Results

We took David in for another eye exam on Monday. The news was so-so. There is a section of the tumor that is very stubborn, and won't die no matter what we do to it. The doctor did a whole lot of freezing on it this time - which made Dave's eye very swollen and red. This doesn't seem to bother him, though. He is only bothered when we try to put the ointment in it to keep it from getting infected.

The doctor told us that he just isn't sure that this is going to work since this section of the tumor has survived everything else we have done to it. His words were, "There are only so many more times that I can do this before we need to make a decision."

It may surprise you, but this news wasn't earth shattering to me. It was pretty much more of the same, and I have been prepared for the possibility of having to remove Dave's eye anyway. This is not a sure thing yet, but we will see. I think time is winding down before it is inevitable.

The good news was that his MRI from last week was clear. This means that the tumor is staying contained in the eye for now and not moving anywhere else. So, if it comes down to removing his eye, that should take care of it.

So, I guess it's not such bad news after all.

Thanks for praying and keeping up with us!

Have the Merriest of Christmases!!

-Kim

Results

David has recovered from his MRI for the most part.  He is still clingy during the day...he wants me to hold him all the time so that it is hard for me to get any work done.

The results of his MRI were very good.  The cancer is staying where it should and not moving into his brain.  This is very good news.  

We take him on Monday the 22nd for his next exam with the eye doctor.  I will let you know what the news from that visit is as soon as I can.

In other news, I spoke at length with the lady from Child Development Services.  David's pediatrician had referred us there since David is not talking yet.  Well, since our visit to the pediatrician, David has picked up a few words that Rob and I can interpret.  The CDS lady seemed to think that he was fine from the interview on the phone.  So, we will re-evaluate again when David turns 2 years and see what we think at that point.  Apparently, it is difficult for them to evaluate his speech before then anyway.  

So.....all that is left is "Merry Christmas"!!  We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas Holiday with family and friends.  We are so grateful for all that everyone has done for us. 

-Kim

Rage

We have mostly survived David's MRI this time.  These appointments are the worst.  However, I guess we got the good end of the deal this time.

The nurse in the oncology dept. inserted David's IV.  She got it on the first try, but David had already had to sit on the scale, have his blood pressure taken, and his heart and lungs listened to.  He really throws a fit each time any medical looking person even looks at him much less touches him with some medical implement (like a stethoscope).  So, trauma had already reigned supreme by this point.  This nurse was also able to quickly draw blood for his lab work - blessing.  

They were fairly quick in the Radiology dept. today - another blessing.  Last time it took forever.  David is hard to get to sleep, so that took awhile as the continued to give him more and more medicine.  Finally, he dropped off.  They didn't get 100% done with the MRI before he woke up, but the radiologist said he had enough to look at.  

David woke up with "post-sedation RAGE!!!!".  Between Rob and I, we were bearly able to keep him from hurting himself as he was flipping around and throwing himself down and screaming.  Apparently this is a common side effect of the sedation medication.  I don't think we will be able to handle this again if he gets any bigger.  I don't know what the alternative is.  

I thought we were clear of the nausea this time until we were almost home, and he let loose.  Rob is still cleaning up the van in the freezing cold as I type.  David has mercifully gone to sleep in his very own crib.  My arms and brain are exhausted.  We won't know anything about the results until at least Monday.

Thankfully, we only have to do this every 6 months.

-Kim

ps.  His next exam will be Monday, December 22.

MRI

Hi Folks!  I hope everyone is keeping warm this extra cool season.  For the first time in years, I actually had to go out and buy a real coat.  I have to admit that I am not enjoying the cold weather.  The kids look forward to snow, but I am looking forward to spring!

David had a good exam today with his regular pediatrician.  She is great, and said that mostly things are going as should be expected.  She was a little concerned that David is really not talking yet, and so we will be taking him to "Child Developmental Services" (I think that is the name) for screening at some point in the future.  She said that his not talking is likely a control thing.  David needs something in his life that he can control, and he has not needed to speak - so he hasn't.  But better safe than sorry.

We go over to Duke on Friday.  David will see the oncologists and then have an MRI.  Last time we had an MRI, it was a nightmare.  I hope this time will go better, but I am skeptical.  I think I have learned enough about the procedures to be a better advocate for David and not allow them to continue to do things that torture him - I was not very impressed with the staff I worked with last time.  David also got very very sick on the way home from the last procedure, but I think I also have some ideas of how to make him more comfortable.  

Still no word on when his next exam will be, but I am hoping to talk to the Eye Center people today to get that scheduled.  

No real bites on our house yet, but we are still hopeful.  We are in the wait and see mode, but not too impatient.  

I will update you soon!  Merry Christmas to you all!!

-KIM