The Foley Family - Trusting in God at ALL Times!!!: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

It's the end of February, and All's Well!

I can't believe two months have passed in the year 2012. February marked the 1 year anniversary of Ivee's 15th surgery and her recurrence of cancer. God has been very good to us. We have made great new friends from that journey. We have watched God heal children here on this earth and some in passing made whole in heaven. Ivee is continuing to move forward, as well all are. Thank you Jesus for her continued healing!

We celebrated my dad's 75th birthday this past week! I was fun having him open his presents, as we wrapped all the parts separately to get to the main gift! Thanks to all my siblings and mom for helping pitch in so we could get him something he really wanted.

Today, Ivee celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday at school and in honor, the kids reenacted their own versions of Wacky Wednesday.

Recently, my oldest baby, Brittney, performed at her school talent show. She didn't place (but in this momma's opinion deserved at least 3rd place! Many people at the school agree) I was so proud of her.

Here is her video!

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

St. Jude Gives Back Big Game Day

Sunday our family had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the St. Jude Gives Back Big Game Day in Mobile, AL. This was the launch of a new program in our area, and it was a great success. I wish friends and family could have been involved and enjoyed time with us there. Here are some highlights.

Ivee had the opportunity to share a favorite cake design with the students of Virginia College's Culinary department. They designed and made a cake based on her interest. Ivee's instructions were - chocolate, pink, ballerina like the Nutcracker Ballet.

She took every opportunity that she could to pose with her cake or for the camera!!!

The chefs and students probably would've kept her if we let them!

The Clubhouse at Hank Aaron stadium was donated to the event! Catering was donated by Naman's. Cakes were donated by the college. Many companies and artist donated items or events for a silent auction.

Ivee was proud to stand at the front of the stage as her cake was auctioned off! I wonder who bought it....hmmmm...

She was getting excited when auction time was coming!

Britt and Ethan enjoyed the night. Not one single picture of Ethan, but he was off playing with new friends made that night! Never meets a stranger.

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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!

About Me

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

It's the end of February, and All's Well!

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

St. Jude Gives Back Big Game Day