"The MRI Looks Great"

Since Cash's diagnosis on February 8, each successive MRI has brought worse news, so you can imagine our anxiety as we waited in Dr. Leary's office this morning.  Dr. Leary knows this and as she opened the door she immediately said, "The MRI looks great!"  I don't think I heard anything for the next few moments as I quietly said a prayer of thanks to God.

After the news set in I started to ask all the questions I typically ask (Any new growth? What does the spine look like? Is there more contrast in the main tumor? What about the tumor that was hit with the gamma knife machine?).

Here is a brief synopsis of her answers - there is no new growth that they can see on the scans, indicating the tumor hasn't spread since the last MRI.  The spot they were concerned with on the spine is barely visible anymore and the tumor behind Cash's eye is about half the size it was prior to the gamma knife procedure.  In addition, the main tumor has remained relatively unchanged, if anything it has shrunk a tiny bit (0.2 cm on one side).

So all the news today was great news!  We are extraordinarily thankful this evening for good news and we continue to thank God for the continuing miracle that is Cash.  He is such a blessing to our lives and picked up where he left off yesterday after returning from the hospital - consuming large amounts of M&M's and chocolate milk (he does eat other foods I promise!).

In other news, Wendi started a 'drive' of sorts to bring toys and games to the children that are inpatient at the hospital and right as I was leaving the hospital today, Dana came by with at least 10 bags full of items that her church collected for the children (puzzles, books, coloring books, games, etc.).  I also delivered at least 35 crocheted hats for the kids that Auntie Ann made - the folks at the clinic didn't have enough room behind the desk for everything that was delivered...:-)  Thank you to everyone who has collected items for the kids - we remember being stuck in the hospital with so little to play with that I know those gifts will go to good use.

It is appropriate that today is November 1 - the theme at Zion this month is Thanksgiving and we have so many things to be thankful for.  Thank you as well for your prayers, Dana said today that she thinks there are not many children that receive as much prayer as Cash - today our prayers were answered and we will continue to pray for healing and are so thankful for each day.  Thanks be to God!!!

¹ I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart;
   I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
² I will be glad and rejoice in you;
   I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1-2)