Wednesday, January 11, 2012

MRI Results

Everything went great today with the MRI. Dr. Riva-Cambrin is really happy with the way things look. He said her brain looks just like it should a month after surgery, and there are no concerns there anymore with the infection. Her tumor looks good too- in fact he said it's hard to say exactly, but the remaining portion may look even smaller today. Miraculous. We will have another follow-up MRI in 3 months- again, thank you Aetna insurance! And yes, Steve, I will probably be a stress-case again in 3 months...

So "Diva-Riva" - (a pet name the residents call him) and our infection disease doc (Dr. Blaschke) will discuss when to stop the antibiotic and pull the PICC. We think that will be in the very near future. Cassie will have blood work done again tomorrow and we should know more then. We had a very good lengthy discussion with our favorite doc-and he is just really pleased with the way she is recovering, as are we obviously. We simply adore Dr. Riva-Cambrin. We know we were so blessed that he was the on-call surgeon when we were in need November 17. We have always felt that he has extended the very best of his skill and expertise, as well as compassion and communication. From the very first we have felt part of the team and respected. Who would have thought a neuro-surgeon would be down to earth and easy to talk to? Not us, but he is- and he is amazing! He told us we are due some "good karma" and that we should go buy lottery tickets. So signing out and headed to Wendover to try out lady luck......AS IF! We know we have already received a miracle and luck had nothing to do with it!

However, is it karma that she has taken a renewed interest in potty-training? I think so. On the other hand Diva-Riva guesses she'll want to keep her "soother" aka pacifier until she's twenty, after all the trauma she's been through. He also told us to be cautious with Cassie but not to treat her like our "glass child," and that it will be best for her to be able to "run with the pack." I would readily admit to treating her like a porcelain doll.

If you are still reading, wow, you are amazing as well. Some interesting things we have learned in the last couple weeks. Dr. Riva-Cambrin said Cassie's original tumor -removal surgery was one of the most complicated surgeries the hospital saw all year- WHAT?! And Dr. Walker, the neuro-surgeon with 35 years experience under his belt, told us twice he has never seen a case with more complications. We're glad they told us all this after the fact not during....

9 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry that you all had to go through that! Glad to hear that it is going very well. We will keep your family in our prayers.

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  2. How awesome! I am stoked for you guys! Both Jayson & I have learned so much from your faith with all of this. You have an adorable & incredible family-we are soo blessed to know you guys. We're so glad Cassidy is doing so amazing! I hope some great karma heads your way soon! You deserve it!

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  3. We are so happy with the MRI outcome. She just looks great. We want to come visit but have waited for things to settle down. We continue to send our love. Aunt JoAnn

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  4. This is all such great news and I hope the PICC line comes out, like today! I am so sorry that Cassie has had to endure such a traumatic experience in her little life but I know it will refine her in some way and help prepare her for something amazing in her future, and that goes for her parents too! Isn't it wonderful that we don't know ahead of time what we will be asked to endure? I know you will look back on Cassie's time in the hospital and wonder how you did it...but you ALL did...and now you know what miracle-after-miracle feels like and it will help you, and others, when you remember and share your experience. Plus, now you KNOW that you CAN do really hard things! May the Lord continue to bless your sweet family.

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  5. Hi there, I stumbled upon your blog because I was googling brain stem & spine ganglioglioma. My daughter Kassidy with a K, was diagnosed in May 2010 with the same thing. I'm so sorry to see such a little pumpkin with the same diagnosis. Reading your blog it seems that the surgery was pretty successful. Our Kassidy's is completely inoperable. Well just wanted to let you know that your Cassidy is on our prayers now and we hope the best for her. Never Give Up!!!!!

    The Merritt's

    Kassidy's blog is:
    www.kassidysroadtorecovery.blogspot.com

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  6. WOW!!!! So glad you got told that after!!!!

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  7. We are so happy at the progress she is making. Thank you for sharing this difficult and tender time with us. Cassidy reminds us of our own little fireball. You have to be one to overcome such a challenge! Love you guys!

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  8. It makes me cry to see these sweet pictures of Cassidy and see her healing and so happy. It has been a challenge and a miracle at the same time. There is no denying that. We have been blessed and for that we are so grateful. Thank you to all of you who have prayed for us. We pray for you as well--especially if your outcome is not to be so happy as ours. To Ali and Steve. again. we thank you for your love and devotion and goodness. You are an inspiration to us all. We thank our Heavenly Father for His blessings. Love always,
    MOM

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  9. I was happy to read the past and present of the darling child.What happy news this is...wishing everyday for continued success and her getting stronger.Such cute pictures.Love Aunt Sally

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