Quick Update--counts up!

MK and Ross at their 1st communion




















Dan, Ross and Bob hanging out!




Leah and Ross at Jr. K "Pet Show"



















MK trying new foods--no more picky eaters!!!


Yesterday we went to visit with Dan's local oncologist for his labwork and a quick check-up. His platelet count is up to 140 on his own and he is doing great!!! The oncologist doesn't expect for Dan's platelet counts to drop again for at least another week or two. Dan was given the go-ahead for light weight lifting and fast walking. We just came back from a morning walk! Dan's dad, Bob, arrived yesterday afternoon for a little visit and we are really enjoying his peaceful presence.

A few posts back I noted that M.K. was having her heart checked out. The update for that is a possible mitral valve prolapse which is extremely common (especially in women). We have a follow-up with a pediatric cardiologist in a few weeks just as a precaution.

My parents left for N.C. a few days ago and Dan and I are hoping to join them for a few weeks once school lets out in June. Dan and I are so excited about spending this summer with the children. It is amazing how busy Dan has been throughout their short lives. This diagnosis has been a blessing in so many ways (believe it or not) and one of the most dramatic has been the relationship that Dan has been able to develop with the children.

I read in the paper that Senator Kennedy was diagnosed with a glioma (I am not sure of the grade), but the papers are so gloomy. I know that this diagnosis is amazingly scary, but don't be discouraged by the press. God is the ultimate physician and he created everyone uniquely. I truly believe that medical science is on the cusp of conquering this cancer, and although this is a devastating diagnosis for the senator, I pray that this media exposure can help facilitate finding a cure. My heart just breaks to think of anyone else facing this battle, but as I said earlier, every battle in our lives can lead to blessings if we just allow Jesus to work within us.

Love,
Leah

Chemo--Week 36

Dan and I went to see his NO (neuro-oncologist) yesterday where he received his second dose of CCNU. His platelet count is very low and expected to lower during the next 6 weeks. Dan's physical activity was limited by doctor's orders in order to reduce any potentially dangerous "bleeds" and that has Dan a little down. He had just started running again, but that is on hold for now. We are checking his count every week now (it was around 100 today) if it gets in the 20-30 range he will have a platelet transfusion.

Last week we celebrated Dan's 9 month anniversary from diagnosis (7/8/2007). We are looking forward to his 1 year anniversary when we can officially thumb our noses at his prognosis and live as "outliers"--or someone who does not fall into the statistical norm. Even though Dan and I strive to live our lives day-to-day we do look forward to celebrating each milestone no matter how humble in ambition.

As for Dan's planned treatment schedule...If the cancer continues to be controlled (suppressed--or conquered, as I prefer to think) and Dan's blood counts do not bottom out, then Dan and I will go back to Duke on June 16th where Dan will have another MRI. If that goes well, then Dan will begin another 3 cycles of Temodar (or 12 weeks of oral chemo). We will continue on is this fashion cycling through the 3 types of chemo therapies for as long as his body can tolerate it (up to 2 years). At that point we will begin a "chemo holiday" that will last for an undetermined amount of time--until regrowth. If Dan has re-growth at any point we will start over with surgery and move on from there. As for the curative front...there are several studies in trial now that are potentially curative in nature. I have met many individuals (through the internet) who are several years out from diagnosis without regrowth of tumor. The major determining factors seem to be age, health at onset, and genetic predisposition.

Dan and I are doing well. His energy level is low (due to chemo), but his memory is improving and we are having fun together. We are incredibly grateful for you. There are days and weeks where it is difficult to get outside of our own situation and really interact with you, our support system. We really appreciate the support that we receive and we look forward to the day when Dan is totally restored and we are able to be of active service to you in return. Until then, know that we lift you all up in daily prayer and we are ever hopeful for a perfect tomorrow.

Much love,
Leah and Danny