03-14-03 - CLEAR MRI! I know you were praying - about all the details! I explained to the nurse how difficult Timmy's veins can be to find and that's why we requested her rather than the technician to do the contrast dye. Badabing Badaboom! She was in, she was out. We are very greateful how quickly and smoothly it went. Timmy will be going to Oncology Camp for teens next weekend with OCF. This is the first year he is old enough for this camp. He is a little apprehensive, however his favorite counselor will be his cabin leader so he is looking forward to that. They will have medical staff in the mountains - someone to give Timmy his injection.. Thank you for praying for his safety next weekend. Love, Ginny
05-06-03 - Timothy had a wonderful time at Teen Camp. Thank you for praying. We have had a small set back. Timothy's medications have been switched around. Too long of an explanation to go into here, but the bottom line is that he has been nauseous and losing weight since end of March. Of course we are concerned and his doctors are involved in figuring out "what next". It has been very difficult to see him go from eating and enjoying physical activitiy again, back to not eating breakfast or lunch, throwing up before school and wanting to be by himself because he simply isn't feeling well. He is still Cancer Free and we Praise God for that. This is a bump in the road (one of many) that we will ask for your continued prayer. This coming June Timothy will participate in the Relay for Life (raising $ for Cancer Research through the American Cancer Society). This is the first event of this type that he will participate in and I can only imagine the emotions that will flow when all of the survivors take that first lap! Timothy continues to do well in school, although I know, like most kids, he is really looking forward to a summer break. Thank you for your continued prayer. Ginny
06-10-03 - I am happy to report that Timothy is back to his "normal" weight and feeling great. He was put back on a medication that he had been taken off of and it is making a huge difference! His doctor doesn't want him on this medication for life, however anytime we've weaned him off of it, he starts the cycle of getting sick, nausea, and losing weight all over again. Although the medicine is an appetite stimulant, I feel certain that there is a chemical in this Rx that his body is lacking (from chemo, radiation or?) and that is why he needs it. His Dr. still wants to check out his insides, so he'll have to do a "barium swallow" test later this month. He's done this before and is dreading it. He is also supposed to have an MRI later this month, but I don't have a date yet. We went to OCF-OCF Oncology family camp a few weeks ago and had a blast. Also Relay for Life last weekend was a wonderful experience. Now graduation for Timothy from elementary school on Friday and SUMMER VACATION! Thank you for checking in. Love, Ginny
06-30-03 - Timothy had his MRI this past Friday (6/27). We got results today that there is something small on the scan. Timothy's loving nurse tells us not to panic, it could be a number of things. Remember that "bump in the road" I talked about a few entries ago? Have you ever hit a dip in the road that you lose your stomache? That would be this one. Timothy's Neurosurgeon reviewed the MRI along with all of his past MRI's this evening and he said he was "not impressed". I am hanging on to those words. It could be tumor regrowth or it could be a ventricle change - which DOES happen. He recommends another MRI in 3 months. It is too small to do anything with it right now anyway and we will have to wait to see if it disappears (blip) or grows (tumor). This is good news compared to what it could have been. So now we wait - and pray, pray. Please pray for a completely clear MRI, for rest and assurance in God in all things. Thank you. Ginny
07-13-03 - After review with the Oncologist, it was decided that Timothy would have his MRI sooner. Timothy's MRI is scheduled for Mon. Aug. 11th at 8:30 a.m. Timothy continues to feel well. He took a few tennis lessons and seems to be gaining strength and stamina. He is eating well and totally enjoying his summer with leisure reading and a bit of sleeping in. Timothy does not appear to be very distressed about the MRI results and we continue to be upbeat and positive. Thank you for praying. Love, Ginny
08-11-03 - ALL CLEAR! Thank you all for your prayers. The report says "Negative evidence for tumor nodule seen on prior, not seen today." Praise GOD!
12-03-03 : The year end is almost here. We are thankful for each new month clear from cancer. Timothy has been doing great physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. We enjoy the new friendships he is making as he entered into Jr. High life in September. The growth hormone Timothy is taking is doing it's job and his Endocrinologist is pleased with his progress. An EKG done earlier (part of routine follow up after chemo/radiation) showed his heart was doing fine. Another Praise! Timothy's next MRI is scheduled for 12/18 at 12:45. As always, we appreciate your prayers. I promise to update! Love, Ginny