Denny and Kayla left for St. Jude Tuesday morning. They had a rain delay in Dallas, but made it there safely late Tuesday night. As far as appointments go, it was a pretty light load this time which was good. In Psychology (yes, we completed that dreaded 2nd day of 3 hours of testing) Kayla scored off the charts in most categories. The day ended early at 12:00 leaving them a few hours to go play over at the Target House. It's always fun to see all of the familiar places and faces that we considered home and family for so many months. Of course, it is nice to hop on that shuttle and leave after too.
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| Finally getting a bite to eat in the airport |
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| Playing Piano in the Amy Grant Room |
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| A much needed hug from the beautiful Michaela |
Today started bright and early. We had told Kayla that there would be no IV this time around and so she was so very happy! To our dismay, there indeed was an IV needed. Not because of the Lumbar Puncture, but because today was a Contrast MRI. Oops. Just when Denny had Kayla convinced that there was no turning back at this point, the darn IV would not hit the vein. Luckily the nurse called in an expert when she saw Kayla's arm covered in blood and noticed her shaking so badly. The next nurse was a serious pro with a sweet disposition who quickly got the IV started. Kayla said, "Dad, I don't think I will be able to lie still for my MRI because I am shaking so badly. But I will really try". If that doesn't break your heart.... The sweet nurse went and got a few warm blankets to put around Kayla's little body to warm her up. It worked!
In Physical Therapy, Lauren was very impressed with how amazing Kayla continues to do. She even said she thinks she is ready for soccer. I am still very leery about balls flying at her head! Kayla's visit with her Endocrine doctor. As I expected, her TSH level was even more elevated then last time. We will be adding a thyroid stimulating medication to her daily Zofran to help. This is a very common occurrence after the treatments she has received. It's not a huge deal, but it is forever. Just one more thing to remember, right?
Kayla and Denny will land at 11:30pm tonight. I can't wait to have us all home together again. We will be able to breathe... at least for another 3 months. That's right, today Kayla's MRI resulted in NED once again. (No evidence of disease) Thank you God!!!! Denny said he had more details for me later, but for now they are literally running to catch the shuttle to the airport.
Thank you to all of you who have had those candles burning and prayers going up. We feel it all and I know it is working. Please don't ever stop. There is no end to this story. There is no magical number of years where this all ends. Cancer is a beast.
