MRI Results

Well today was another MRI - I think this is his 5th or 6th and we tend to not look forward to them (for pretty good reason as you'll see below).  The best way to describe the results are not encouraging and not discouraging...

The good news is the main tumor in the brain stem appears to still be 'dying' - there is more contrast than the last MRI which either means it's dying or growing inside the stem, but it doesn't seem larger so we're sticking with it's 'dying'.  Another positive from the MRI is the spot on his lower spine is barely visible.

The not-so-good news is while the spine tumor is barely visible, there is now what they refer to as 'sugar coating' - smaller spots that are not visible to the naked eye, but clearly appear to be additional tumor cells.  The other news is that there is visible contrast that may indicate another tumor behind his left eye.  Dr. Leary wasn't certain what that was, but it was not there in July.

Since the current chemotherapy isn't 'shrinking' the tumor as they hoped it would, they are recommending not finishing the 6th round of chemo/stem cells.  Instead, they are going to create a comprehensive list of every possible study, research or experimental, and chemos/medicines that are currently being used on brain tumors - we are meeting on Thursday to go over this list and Children's will make a recommendation on what they think would be the best next steps.

At the same time, I've already mailed the MRI results to MD Anderson and they will be doing the same process and coordinating next steps with Children's.  We are still in 'fight' mode and the doctors are still amazed at how well Cash looks.  He has not digressed in the 8 months since diagnosis and we're holding out hope for the 'miracle'.

We had great support today and the list includes my parents, Jeremy & Steph, Bob, Auntie Ine, Auntie Dee & Uncle Bill, Auntie Karen and Uncle Gil - we kept busy and are in good spirits.

Speaking of Auntie Ine, she flew up on Friday and helped out tremendously today - she took care of Kingston and Jack Jr while we were at the hospital.  We had a great weekend in Lynden and here are a bunch of pictures from the weekend and a very funny video of Cash laughing until he almost runs out of breath...oh and I also bic'd Jeremy's hair so it's nice and smooth like mine and Cash's...:-)

There is so much more I feel I could write but will stop for the time being.  Another great piece of news is that there are 15 people signed up to walk in the Seattle Run of Hope!  That is great and if you want to walk please see the last post - I'm hoping for 30 or 40 people to walk with Cash!

Thank you for your support and please continue to pray for our Miracle!