Three days to go

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Three days to go

She had a descent night of sleep. The itching lasted only about 1 1/2 hours in the middle of the night. Hopefully that will end altogether soon. Her surgery went well and she really isn't complaining of pain. She does just kinda lay there though, so I'm going to ask for Motrin just in case she has some discomfort. We'll be going to a regular room on the floor today. Dr. Astrada from Infectious Disease wants her on antibiotics for a couple more days, so if all goes well we'll go home Thursday. We'll have to pay close attention to her for the next month. That is the critical time where infection could happen in the new shunt.
Thanks for your prayers for our baby's health and for our family. I would like for you to ad our health finance situation to you list as well. There was a drastic change recently that we are going to have to try to fight/appeal. This will probably be a strenuous and long process as well.
If anyone knows of any foundations that help to provide or assist with therapy visits let me know. Thanks!!
We are loved,
Emmett, Hope, Ivee, Ethan and Brittney

4 comments:

debchastain said...: Hooray!! Happy dance for a good surgery and less itching and a regular room. Praying that you'll be out on Thursday and that the next month will go by infection free!!; Tuesday, February 09, 2010 11:18:00 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Foley family - I'm glad she's resting comfortably and the awful itching is subsiding. She will feel much better with the shunt in place and as long as she's on her antibiotics, you should have no problems. But just to make sure you don't, I'll just keep Ivee in my everyday prayers and watch for your updates. Keep your strength up as well. Love from Johnny Sileno's proud "Mima" Kathy; Tuesday, February 09, 2010 4:34:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Hope,
Thank the Lord she came through the surgery fine. I pray you will get to go home Thursday and she will not have an infection. I will also pray for the finance situation. You are all loved very much. We hold you in our hearts. Anna; Tuesday, February 09, 2010 6:47:00 PM
Anonymous said...: So glad to that everything went well with surgery! You are always in our prayers...

I'll ask around re: resources for help and therapy...

Hugs and love to Ivee!
Lindsay (Matilda's mom!); Tuesday, February 09, 2010 9:10:00 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, February 09, 2010

Three days to go

4 comments: