Home Sweet Home

After four harrowing days in the hospital, we finally have Isabella back home.  Early last week, Isabella started complaining of some headaches and we noticed other signs of neurological issues.  An MRI showed that her brain tumor is growing and is causing bleeding in her head.  This bleeding plus tumor growth was causing severe pressure in her head which was causing her symptoms.  We were immediately admitted to the hospital where Isabella was given steroids.  Isabella looked so bad on Thursday that we were making plans to have family come in to say their last goodbyes and we had a priest come in to give last rites.

Fortunately, the steroids successfully relieved the pressure in Isabella’s head, and some of her symptoms subsided and she started to feel better.  The steroids don’t “fix” the tumor growth or the bleeding, but at least it helps Isabella feel better (as well as increasing her appetite!).

On behalf of our family, I’d like to thank everyone who showed their support and spread the word about Isabella.  It has been a terribly stressful few days (and we have many more to come), but it was kinda nice to see family, friends, and even strangers rally around our little girl.  I know I’ve been saying this for almost three years, but it is incredibly humbling.

Thanks again for joining us on our journey.  Here are a few pictures from our trip home today.

While we were waiting to be discharged, Isabella wears a crown and waves a wand that she made during an arts and crafts activity.

Amazingly, Isabella was so excited to go home that she walked part of the way to the train station.  Incredible considering that on Wednesday and Thursday, she couldn’t even stand up on her own.

When we finally got home, Isabella chilled in her chair and enjoyed the 80 degree weather of our Indian Summer.

What better way to celebrate being home than with some S’mores!