MRI Results

May 11th Update:

Isaac's most recent scans showed his brain tumor to be STABLE in size (which is the goal). 😊 We also got additional good news... The enhancement on the images was less which means that his tumor is "less active"! This was great news! Praise God! I didn't even know that tumors had "activity" but less is exactly what we want.  I asked the oncologist whether less active meant the tumor was dying.  She said it doesn't necessarily mean that but that definitely could be a possible reason to why it's less active. So that is what I'm going to pray for... A dying tumor!!! Wouldn't that be amazing!

Here's a little video when Isaac woke up from sedation:

MRI and Chemo - Week 23

Update:

The MRI went well today. However we had a slight hiccup as Isaac woke up with a fever this morning. Luckily we still were able to do the procedures planned but Isaac was a little crankier during it all. 😕

We are back home now in Des Moines but Isaac still has a high fever. Unfortunately he doesn't take medicine well so we've yet to get rid of it. I'm praying he sleeps it off. His blood was cultured at Iowa this morning so we should get results back tomorrow but praying it's just a virus.  Poor little guy can't catch a break. But he's been such a trooper today. I'm thankful i get to be his mommy even if he comes with a little extra work (it's always with it) 😊.  Appreciate your prayers!

May 5th Update:

Nick and I will be traveling to Iowa City with Isaac for his next MRI and chemo treatment.  It’s been 3 months since his last MRI and so we are due for new scans.  As for chemo, it will be his 23^rd.  This is the first time we are going back to the U of I since we’ve transferred to Blanks in Des Moines.  I am kind of excited to go back and see the familiar faces of our beloved nurses and doctors there.  J  With that said, I am not necessarily looking forward to the full day of appointments. 

We are scheduled to arrive at 10am for his port access.  Then we’ll head down to imaging at 11 and his MRIs should begin at noon.  Unfortunately we got the later time slot which will be “interesting” as Isaac won’t be able to eat or drink anything prior.  :-(  It always kills me to have to tell him he can’t have breakfast or a drink before these procedures.  It sure is hard to explain to a 2 year old…  Hoping and praying he will just miraculously not be hungry tomorrow morning.  ;-)

After the MRIs are complete and Isaac wakes up from sedation we will meet with a few doctors (oncologist and radiologists) and then lastly Isaac will receive his chemo.  I imagine it will be a very long day but I am thankful Nick will be with me this time. 

We’d appreciate your prayers as we travel to Iowa City, and Isaac undergoes yet another MRI.  We are truly thankful for the support shown for our brave little guy. 

Faith,

It does not make things easy,

It makes them possible

Chemo - Week 22

April 28th Update:

Today Isaac had his 22nd chemo. Only 30 more to go! 😉 While getting his meds Isaac was pretty excited to get to watch Mickey Mouse on the Disney channel because we recently got rid of cable and he doesn't get to see it anymore. And bonus for him, he had his 1 hour long antibiotic so that meant more screen time for this little guy. He didn't seem to mind the longer appointment today. 😉

Right before we left a group of "superheros" stopped in to see our lil guy. You should have seen Isaac's face light up when a nurse popped her head on and asked if Isaac wanted a visit from Batman!  "Ya, Ya, Ya!!!!" He said. They presented him with a superhero cape and mask and told him that he was a superhero! It was so sweet! Although this picture suggests otherwise Isaac really was pretty happy to have this visit (and so was mom). Thank you Blanks!

Next week we'll be traveling back to the UofI to get chemo #23 as Isaac will also be getting his next MRI then. Sure will be as long day of appointments but will be nice to get to see everyone there and get all appointments done together. 

Chemo - Week 21

April 21st Update:

Today Isaac received his 21st chemo. As normal he was a champ. The child life specialists are awesome here. We walked into his room and they had already brought in Isaacs favorite "hospital toys" aka superhero figurines. 😊 so naturally Isaac was pumped to see them right away!

Today also marks the 1 year anniversary of Isaac's brain surgery. It's been an amazing journey this year. We are so thankful we still have our little fighter. Let's just say we slept way better last night than we did 1 year ago. 😉  #GodIsGood

Chemo - Week 20

April 14th Update:

Isaac got his 20th dose of chemo today. He wasn't keen on having to go to the hospital again since we were just here yesterday but once we got here he was a trooper.

Fever #5

April 14th Update:

Isaac still had a slight fever this morning but they still did chemo. We got home from his appointment right before noon and I took his temperature and it was higher. So i called the hospital and unfortunately they had us come back.  😕  so we are now at the hospital for the 3rd time in 24 hours....

We had to re-access his port which he wasn't thrilled about.  Then we ran into issues in getting blood return. An hour later we finally got it to work and they started him on more antibiotics and now we are just waiting for blood results.  If counts are over 500 they'll let us go home again.  If they are under 500, they'll admit him overnight.  Hoping for some good news... 😊  now he is resting comfortably in mom's arms. 

Update:
Luckily Isaacs counts were high enough so we got to go home after a few hours. 😊 still has a fever but at least we can enjoy the comfort of home. 

April 13th Update:

Unfortunately Isaac came down with a low grade fever this afternoon.  So we are at the hospital right now waiting on blood work.  Each hospital has different protocols when it comes to fever for kids like Isaac.  Here at Blanks they will let Isaac go home if his blood counts are high enough (even despite the fever).  So we are just waiting for results while getting some antibiotics just in case.

We are hoping it's just a virus and that they'll let us go home today. Could be one perk of moving to Des Moines and transferring hospitals 😉.

We'll keep everyone posted.

7pm update:

Isaac was sent home from the hospital a few hours ago. His blood counts came back above the minimum requirement. So as long as he doesn't become neutrapenic then he can rest and get better here at home rather than the hospital. 😊  this is a different in procedure.  At the U of I any fever meant automatic 3 day admission. But here that is not the case.  They did culture his blood and they will monitor it for the next 3 days to make sure no bacteria grows. As long as it stays clear then Isaac should be good to go. He does still have a fever and deep cough but it's most likely a virus and should clear up on its own.  So here's to hoping he'll be better very soon!! 

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Chemo - Week 19

April 7th Update:

Today marks the 1 year anniversary since Isaac was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It's been quite the rollercoaster of a year. 1 year ago today we didn't know if we would have our son with us a few more weeks, but we are so blessed that God spared our son and we still have him in our lives today. God has done so much in our lives and we are so thankful for all that he provided. There were a lot of ups and downs but God was the one constant. 😊  He never ceases to amaze me.  Your support also has been a tremendous help! We've had so many go on this crazy journey with us and we will forever be grateful!  Thank you!!

Isaac got his 19th chemo treatment today. We have 33 more weeks to go pending things continue to progress well and as planned. We know that there are always hiccups in the road (hey we had to start over at week #1 after an allergic reaction 7 months into treatment but that's ok). We still have a fighting chance and we'll take whatever life throws at us. 😀