Thursday, May 7, 2009

MRI results

Today Bree had her MRI test. Originally, she was supposed to have the bone marrow biopsy and the MRI done today but sadly, there were several scheduling problems with anesthesia so the bone marrow biopsy is set for next week (May 14th). (We actually found out this news on Tuesday of this week but were still hoping and praying that the bone marrow test would get done when we showed up today so I didnt post this news until now).

However, she still had her MRI done and we received some good news in that her tumor has shrunk down significantly! It now measures 7.3mm x 5 mm. That's about the size of your pinkie nail. Originally it was very large, starting in the left adrenal gland, reaching through vital organs like her liver, around her spine and pushing on her left kidney. So the fact that it shrunk down so much is very good news!!!

We still have more tests next week. She has the bone marrow biopsy and an MiBG scan that will tell us if the tumor that is still there has cancerous cells (neuroblasts) or if the tumor has matured enough into a benign tumor (ganglioneuroma). After these results the doctors will discuss whether her tumor should be removed through surgery, or if radiation is an option or better yet, if no surgery is required at all. We are obviously hoping that surgery is not needed and that the tiny tumor inside her would just be considered a benign tumor (non-cancerous). We hoped that it would be all gone but IF it is non-cancerous then even though the tumor is there, the cancer is gone.

So far we only have a small piece of the pie. We are still waiting on more blood results and urine sample. These tests show tumor markers and whether they are positive or negative for cancer cells. (We should know this info within the next few days.) Then, next weeks tests should give us the rest of the pie. Oh, I can't wait for the rest of the pie!!!

I've been asked by several people why we have to wait a week to do more tests and why we couldn't just do them all this week. One of the reasons is because these tests take a long time and the docs dont want to put Bree to sleep longer than necessary. Today her MRI took almost 2 hours (she is not allowed to eat anything at least 6 hours before hand - which is hard for a nursing baby!). The MiBG scan next week can be up to 2 to 2-1/2 hours as well as 30-45 minutes for the bone marrow aspiration (biopsy). Another reason we have to wait is this intensive MiBG test requires that Bree be injected with nuclear medicine. This nuclear medicine comes from Canada once a week, on Wednesdays, and they only perform the tests on Thursdays & Fridays. So, next week she will get the injection on Wednesday and Thursday will be her tests (requiring general anesthesia again).

We are excited for the good news today. I debated posting anything today because I know we still have more tests to come, more waiting to find out results. But, we know so many people out there are praying for Bree and we wanted to inform everyone of what is happening. We still have a way to go but are so grateful to the Lord for this first bit of encouraging news.

We are very anxious for the tests next week. They told us today that most likely we shouldn't know results of the bone marrow until the following Monday, May 18th. So, please keep the prayers for Bree coming! She is truly a strong little spirit that is meant for great things on this earth! Our love to all!



19 comments:

Adam Jensen said...

wow... That is a great start! Can't wait for the rest of the pie either. Your sweet little baby is in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your story with us all - we're praying for you here - Dawn, London UK

Jessica said...

Dear Kari, Justin, Bree, Caleb, and Gunner,

I belong to a group at my church which meets every Thursday morning to pray. We lifted Bree up to God yesterday, asking God for her healing. I just wanted you to know.

Love,
Aunt Bow

Summertime Designs said...

Kari, I am so grateful to hear the news so far. I know there is news yet to come and I know you are anxious to know. I love the pictures of her last week with Justin pushing her in the car and her watching Barney. That was just so cute! You are doing great Kari. What an inspiration you have been and you have been so strong. I think the majority of my prayer last night was for Bree and you and Justin and your boys. Just a little while longer. We love you!

JakenDebbie said...

It's great to hear some goods! We are praying that there will be much more very soon!! Thanks for the updates. Good luck with all the testing...that is rough for you as well as Bree. We love you!

dustin and amy said...

Great news! Thanks for sharing!

The Daws said...

We will continue to pray for more, even better news. Love and peace to your family.

Steph said...

I'm so glad you got good news! We'll keep praying for more. Hang in there!

Michelle said...

Wow! That is great news! We'll continue to keep Bree and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Keep the faith!

Shawnie said...

We are still thinking and praying for Bree and your family! At least the first piece of the pie is good, right?! Hang in there. I know it will feel like a VERY long week. You are doing so amazing in all of this! What a great thing faith is huh?!

Aimee's Family Journal said...

Stinking tumor!

Holly Schwendiman said...

Prayers are always yours. ;)

Hugs,
Holly

agravette said...

Yay!! I'm so glad you got good news today! I am hoping and praying the tumor has no cancer in it so that Baby Bree won't require surgery. We'll be praying for you!

Tina McKinnon said...

Fantastic!

Brooke said...

I have a feeling the rest of the pie is going to be delicious!! So glad the first bit was! :)

Melissa Bosen said...

We love you guys and are praying for good news!!

Cecile said...

Hi ek is 'n nuwe blogger en het op jou blog af gekom. Ek wil net vir jou sê my hart gaan uit na jou en jou gesin en julle sal in my gebede wees. Baie sterkte en dit is baie goeie nuus oor die tumor wat gekrimp het. Alle sterkte.
Cecile

Andréa Morrow said...

Kari,
I'm having a boutique at my parents house saturday, on gilbert/mckellips..flyer is on my blog or you can email me dreadog7@gmail.com for flyer.. anyways, I hope you can make it and pass the word along on blog/emails..thanks so much!
we're also trying to support a friend w/ cancer in our ward for this :)
if you have any kind of supports/fundraisers,etc.. let me know, I love being a party and helping out..especially w/ little ones, since I went through it myself w/ my little one

Katja mit Fabian und Florian said...

Hi from Germany,

I found your blog by chance.

I have a special needs boy, too.

My son, Fabian, age 10, is wheelchair bound since he fell from a tree two years ago.

It was a very hard time for all of us after Fabians accident. The moment when the doctor told us, that Fabian is paralyzed and the moment when we must told him that he never walk again, was so terrible. Especially terrible was the day, when Fabian got his first wheelchair. I still cry when I saw him sitting in his wheelchair at the first time.

But Fabian is so brave! I am so proud of him.

Since his accident Fabian visits a school for special needs kids. All other kids in his class are disabled, too. The most kids must use a wheelchair, tree kids can walk with a walker / quad canes.

Every Saturday Fabian visits a sport group for children in wheelchairs. Two hours they play together in their wheelchairs. It is so funny for the kids.

Two month ago he got a new “Spidermann”-wheelchair.

If you are interest I will send you some photos of him in his new wheelchair.

I will be glad about a short answer mail.

Best wishes Katja
(Katja.Kretzler@web.de)