Catch Up

Monday, January 14, 2008

Catch Up

So, if you didn't notice there is a slide show to the left of Ethan. Below are some cute pics of Ivee from yesterday. We decided to take the Sundays in the months of January and February to visit some family and friends churches. They have really supported us this past year, and have been asking us to bring her. We are making good on those promises while we are off rotation at church. We visited Aunt Gwen's church yesterday. Her minister, Pastor Burns has visited and prayed over Ivee many times since her birth and cancer. We are always thankful for prayers, and people like to see her progress. So, that is what we are doing. Showing them our blessing and thanking them in person. We missed FFF and will for the next weeks to come. Well, here are the pictures. Enjoy!

I loved sitting on the step. I felt like a big girl!

I look like a little lady!

Ethan and mommy are helping me stand.

4 comments:

momof3girls said...: These pics are gorgeous! She looks like a little doll! Thank you so much for sharing her with us on Christmas Eve. We'll never forget it. Your whole family is very special to us.
I would love to know what you do for school. I'm always looking for new ideas. Maybe we could get the kids together one day. Email me!
Tammy; Monday, January 14, 2008 7:27:00 PM
Anonymous said...: We missed you yesterday, and I was hoping all was well, and I see that it is! That's awesome to get to show people exactly what they've been praying for. I know it's a faith booster for me as well as many others.
Ivee looks beautiful!!!!
Daisy; Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8:11:00 AM
Anonymous said...: She looks like a little angel. How awesome that she is standing with help. She is to be running around in your house since getting into everything she can. (She may already be doing that!!Ha Ha!) I am back in school and just get through doing my homework at 1:00 am so forgive me if I don't blog much. I still think of you guys almost daily and I am so excited at all God is doing in her little life. Blessings, Paula (P.S. I want to meet the little cutie sometime!); Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:15:00 AM
Anonymous said...: Ethan looked like he had a fun birthday! Every time you post pics on here of Ivee it is amazing to see how she is progressing. I love her little pink dress and bow. Keep the pictures and blogs coming! Becky and Dave; Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:27:00 AM

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

Monday, January 14, 2008

Catch Up

4 comments: