Finally, Isabella was discharged from the Pediatric unit and back to the rehab center at the Rusk Institute. Since we are waiting on confirmation of the second and third opinions, we've decided to postpone the chemotherapy, so there was no reason for her to be in the Pediatric unit. Plus, she was missing precious rehab time that we could be using to strengthen her right side.
Isabella is so glad to be back at Rusk because she was reunited with all the friends that she has made so far. While in Pediatrics, Isabella was very grumpy and would rarely cooperate with anyone which was very frustrating for everyone. She had been there since Friday, when she had the operation to put the port in her chest. Since Friday, Isabella has refused to walk or pretty much do anything until last night, when she finally started to walk around with my assistance. But today, when she went back to Rusk and met up with her friends, she immediately perked up, began smiling, laughing, and dancing. Julianne and I were so relieved because we thought it would take her a few more days to adjust.
Her rehab regimen begins again on Thursday, and hopefully, they could make good progress before we start whatever treatment we decide on. By the way, the pathology report from St. Jude should be back by Thursday, which will either confirm whether the tumor is a glioma (original diagnosis by NYU), or an ependymoma (new diagnosis by St. Jude). Either way, we have sent the required material to Johns Hopkins for a third opinion, in case the first two opinions end up not matching.
I want you to know that we are thinking about your family every day, and that we are praying for Isabella's complete recovery. Dr. Icatar was a rock for me while I was going through some personal stuff...if there's ANYTHING we can do to help, please, PLEASE let me know!!!
ReplyDelete-Brenda Neufeld