Greetings, Earthlings!!

Eliza and Dad had a little creative fun with Josie! She didn't seem to mind at all! We're blessed to have such a happy kid (most of the time).

Good News MRI

February 1, 2012

It has been a week since Josie’s MRI.  We had received preliminary results last Friday, but did not want to post anything until we had reviewed the actual scan with her Oncologist.  Today we were able to do that. 

We are pleased to say that Josie’s tumor is once again smaller and showing signs that it is stabilizing.  In fact, with this latest MRI, they started using a new higher resolution format that shows more specific cancer areas.   Some of the areas that they had previously been watching are now considered not cancer areas, due to what they could see with these new scans.  Praise God!  She does still have tumor in her brain, but at this point, they are considering the portions that they see, non-threatening. 

The treatment plan is to continue with IV chemo for 2 more rounds after today,  so it will be done by the end of February.  After they stop the IV chemo, they will have her continue on the chemo that we do at home for 3 months.  By June or July of this year, she will most likely be off all chemo.  They will continue to watch her carefully by doing MRI scans every 2 months.  If the tumor continues to be stable, they will go to MRI’s every 3 months and so on. 

At first we were a little taken back that she will be off chemo, but the doctors are pleased with where she is at and believe that this is a good route for her.  She cannot stay on chemo indefinitely and they can always start her back up on chemo again (for a while) if they do see growth in the tumor.  We will cross that bridge only if it comes up.

We are still digesting all that we have seen and all that we heard today – almost a little numb (in a good way) to the news.  Praising God for such a good report and look forward to what God has for this little lady.  We love seeing our little girl develop and take on her own little character – she is truly a sweet natured, fun-loving and silly girl!

On a side note – we are on a break from Josie’s reflux and it is extremely refreshing.  Her neurologist believes that her reflux hits in cycles because of possible seizure activity.  If the reflux starts up again (we are praying that it doesn’t start up again), she will be going in for an EEG to try and pinpoint if it is seizures.  For now though, we are enjoying not carrying around a burp rag everywhere!

Blessings to you all,

Marc & Darcia