Getting Better

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Getting Better

Two nights ago, I put Ivee back in her own room. She has done well. You can still her making noises in the night, but I haven't really heard any screams. Hopefully the nightmares are subsiding. She returned to pre-school yesterday and did very well! She didn't cry going in, cause her class was in the "Imagination Theatre" room dancing to music. For those who know Ivee, you know she loves to move it to the music!!! So, she didn't cry...she wanted to be a part of the party!
Yesterday, I got Ivee's shoes on her and she kept them on all day until we got home. This is a very big ordeal! Last night I dreamed that she walked. I have yet to have this dream when Emmett and friends have. Maybe it will all come to fruition now!
My wireless internet is down, so I can't post the cute pics I have of her until that is resolved. Thanks for checking in and talk at ya soon!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...: My son was diagnosed with the same brain tumor right after his 1st first birthday. He too was late at hitting the "normal" mile stones. He had surgery and then we went to St. Jude for radiation. He too was unable to walk and was given orthodics (??spelling??). He also has extra fluid and still has hydrocephalus but no real symptoms except for walking. He turned 2 in Sept. and just last month began walking. There is hope! I was told that at our next appointment they were going to talk more about the extra fluid and see if anything should be done. We go back in 2 weeks for our 1 yr. post radiation check-up. My son also has problems with his eye turning in. We found a Neuro Eye doctor back home and he put him in glasses with bi-focals and it straightend it out. He wasn't able to see for quite some time and we didn't even know it. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and always. Although I don't even know you or Ivee I feel like I do.; Wednesday, October 22, 2008 8:24:00 PM
debchastain said...: Yeah! So glad that she's doing well in her room and glad that you can finally get some good sleep! Praying that she'll be taking those first steps soon!; Wednesday, October 22, 2008 11:11:00 PM
Anonymous said...: So thankful she is in her room & doing well. We continue to pray for healing for Ivee and strength & encouragement for all of you.
You are doing an amazing job leading the choir!..along with everything else you have going on.
To God Be the Glory. We love all of you, Anna; Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:43:00 PM
Anonymous said...: So thankful she is in her room & doing well. We continue to pray for healing for Ivee and strength & encouragement for all of you.
You are doing an amazing job leading the choir!..along with everything else you have going on.
To God Be the Glory. We love all of you, Anna; Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:43:00 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

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Getting Better

4 comments: