This morning's prayer need

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

This morning's prayer need

Ivee's head and face are swollen today. It is probably a build up of CSF fluid. If it doesn't drain off of her brain, we will have to put a shunt in. Please, pray that the fluid disappears. She is also receiving a 2nd hearing test. It looks as though there is some hearing loss in her left ear, which is odd, cause the tumor was on the right side, not the left side.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...: Hope, I wanted to share an experience with you that I hope will bring some comfort to you regarding the shunt. You know Katie's situation, so I won't elaborate about it. What you may not remember is that she had shunts put in when she was five months old to remove excess fluid, much like Ivee is dealing with now. Although we were told it could be permanent, she was able to have them removed 3 months later and is now 6 years old and we haven't had any further problems with that. I pray that Ivee won't need one; she's been through quite enough. However, I wanted you to know that even if she does need one, it might not be forever.

Once again, my offer to help any way I can stands. If Britt and Ethan want to come hang out in Atmore with us sometimes they are welcome to do so. Our love and prayers are with you - I'll talk to you soon.; Tuesday, January 09, 2007 5:52:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Hope,
Thanks for taking the time to continually update us on Ivee. You are constantly on my mind and in my prayers. Please don't hesitate to call me when you guys want to get away for awhile in the evenings or if you just need me to help you beat up on Emmitt. You know I can do a fine job at that :) During the week, just call me at work (443-3134) and I can be there by 6:00 - 6:30 latest. On the weekends, you have my cell.
Love you all,
Kathy F.; Tuesday, January 09, 2007 6:11:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Please know that we at Genesis Church are praying for you and your family. Tammy Maddox keeps us in the loop. Be encouraged. God is still in charge and He will accomplish His Will in your family and especially little Ivee.
Pastor Don Young
Genesis Church; Wednesday, January 10, 2007 9:06:00 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi,
My daughter, Samantha Simpson, goes to Chi Alpha and told me about Ivee yesterday. I wanted you to know our family is praying for you guys.
Stephanie; Wednesday, January 10, 2007 12:08:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey Hope and Emmett, I hope it is okay with you guys. I told my church family up here about Ivee and they are praying for you guys too! You guys are in my prayers, and please let me know if I could do anything for you. (I am only 1.5 hrs away from B'ham.) So, just let me know.

Kathleen Hamman; Wednesday, January 10, 2007 5:53:00 PM

Ivee's story in SHORT...As if....

Ivee is a tough little girl. And with our help and by the grace of God, all will go well. We pray for a complete healing, and we know that our God is big enough...He is the Great Physician.

Story: On a routine Monday, December 18, 2006. I was missing work and taking my oldest daughter to the doctor cause of a stomach virus. Stopping at a grocery store on the way, I left the oldest in the car for a moment and ran inside with Ivee. I put her car seat on top of the grocery cart as so many of us mom's do. Leaving the store, I turned for a brief moment to throw something away. I turned around just in time to see the entire car seat fall face down on the concrete. I flipped, as any mom with a 7 month old falling face first would do. I arrived at the ER in record time. She already had a huge knot rising on her forehead. As they (eventually) started a CT scan, I felt God speaking to my heart. In all but audible words he told me she would be fine, but that we would find something else, that this was why she had fallen, so He could reveal it to us. So, as I watched from the tech room, I saw something that even to me, a non-trained observer, knew was not suppose to be there. A friend of mine was the radiologist there, and he confirmed, also by doing an MRI, what I suspected. I was at peace in spirit cause my heart had been prepared...but not okay. My husband was working out in Texas and would have to drive more than 7 hours to come home, not knowing what was happening, but just that she fell. Ivee was transferred to a local children's hospital in Mobile. That night, Dr. Martino consulted, and would run an MRI the next day of his own, and perform surgery on that Wednesday. On December 20, after 5 hours of surgery, all was successful, and Dr. Martino removed 98% of what he knew was an egg sized malignant tumor, later diagnosed as Stage 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma. The remaining 2 cm was on her artery next to the spinal chord.

Deficits from initial resection/treatment: Ivee had many deficits due to the tumors removal, even though he was able to leave her nerves in tack. Her right eye was severely crossed. Her vocal chords were paralyzed (left has regained use). Her hearing was affected (loss at 2000 hz and high frequency sounds). Hearing aids received June 6, 2012 at age 6. Have already hear improvement in F, S and ending sounds in 2 days time! Her balance was never truly restored, and she has left side body weakness. After 30 days (including Christmas) we were allowed to take Ivee home. She had 6 months of chemo and then 33 treatments of radiation at St. Jude.

Procedures/surgeries:

1.) Tumor Resection (12/06) – Anaplastic Ependymoma

2.) Gbutton placed for eating. (01/07)

3.) Nissen fundiplication pyloroplasty done (wrapping of throat & stomach) (01/07)

4.) Chemotherapy Begins (01/07)

5.) 5 central lines placed (many fell out on their own) (01/07 – 05/07)

6.) Port placed at St. Jude (06/07)

7.) Chemotherapy ends (06/07)

8.) Radiation (06/07-08/07)

9.) Rare scar tissue formation in the brain removed (09/08)

10.) Shunt Placement (10/08)

11.) Shunt revision/replacement (02/10)

12.) Hip Displaysia surgery – Dega Osteotomy {Not tumor related} (10/10)

13.) Reoccurance - GTR {Gross Total Resection} (02/11)

We were shocked (as was the doctor) when her Jan. 2011 scan showed a reoccurance. It was on the same artery where the orginal tumor was left behind. GTR was done on February 18^th with much success. 2^nd dosing of radiation began March 28 and ended May 6, 30 doses.

14. Begin 2nd dose radiation on March 28 (30 doses) Ended on May 6, 2011.

Improvements:

1.) Right eye is still weak, doesn't require glasses yet. Patching the good eye to strengthen the right one.

2.) Right vocal chord is still partial paralyzed. In Fall of 2008 , to the doctor's dismay, discovered she has received movement again in right chord (update: Since resection in 2/11, Right vocal chord is completely paralyzed, no movement now)

3.) Still G Button feed. Cannot eat much by mouth. She doesn’t have the drive to try to eat, but we are treating her with an appetite enhancer. She has been approved through Modified Barium Swallow Test.

4.) Balance is still and issue. Has improved over the years. Uses a walker and wheelchair.

5.) Has learned to stand (assisted) for a few moments by herself and take some steps/usually across a room (May 2012). Uses a walker VERY WELL!!

6.) Currently watching a paraesophageal hernia of the fundoplication. No surgery required at this time.

7.) Non-cancer related surgery due to hip dysplasia in Fall of 2010. Has improved her balance and slipping out of socket.

Currently:

She is doing very well! She attended K5 full-time with a personal aid (might repeat K5). She is very smart and attentative. She used her walker often throughout the day and is learning to take independent steps. She takes a little bit of something to eat everyday now instead of once a week! She has learned to drink larger portions at a time. Enjoys Hippotherapy (horse therapy). Is extremely observant, caring and just down right funny!

The Foley Family - Trusting in God at ALL Times!!!

About Me

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

This morning's prayer need

5 comments: