A Disappointing Update

It turns out I was premature in stating that Isabella's last MRI was clean.  After a follow up visit with her oncologist today, she revealed that a more thorough review of the MRI revealed that there is still tumor present. I should point out that this isn't new tumor, so everything is still stable from the last MRIs.  The doctor told us that the tumor may stay as it is now or continue to shrink (or grow).  She has seen cases where a tumor was stable for several months and then after a couple years, just completely disappeared. 

We're obviously disappointed at this news, but it really doesn't change much. We'll continue to do periodic MRIs to track progress and there are no plans for further treatment (chemotherapy or radiation).  We'll continue her occupational therapy to continue strengthening her right hand and improve her balance.  Isabella will go back to school as soon as the flu makes it rounds at the school.

Isabella continues to be a vibrant, energetic child that continues to amaze us on a daily basis.  I don't think she's done amazing us yet.

Flu Update

So Annalise did fine with the flu and went back to school today. Nathaniel had a runny nose and a cough for a couple days last week, but he seems to have made it past everything as well. Isabella never got one symptom. However, their school just reported dozens of kids out today. We had asked them to let us know of any large swings in attendance, and we would then take Isabella out assuming that it was the flu going around. So last week, Annalise was out with the flu, and this week (and for who knows how long), we will keep Isabella home until this flu runs its course through the school.

EVERYBODY, WASH YOUR HANDS!!! :)