Me again - Okay, here's the word from Dr. Muhonen, Timothy's Neurosurgeon - He doesn't see anything abnormal, if they're (radiology) reading it, it must be very small because he doesn't see it. Essentially he feels this is a normal post operative study. His recommendation is to observe and "keep living life". We again are so thankful and appreciative of your prayers. I will follow up next week to see how soon Timothy should be seen for his next MRI, but for now; we are not to worry. Ed and I decided not to trouble Timothy with the "possibility" of a problem unless we knew otherwise, so he is unaware of all of this. Have a Merry Christmas! We just received a wonderful gift! Love, GInny
January 26, 2004 - Timothy had an Oncology visit scheduled for today. He hasn't been in this particular office for 6 months and it was nice to connect with the great nurses and doctors again. Timothy's folder is about the size of 2 large phone books, and this is the 2nd one! It's good to know they are keeping such thorough records. Timothy continues to do well. He is growing. We will know more about the growth hormones and such when we meet with his Endocrinologist in a couple of weeks. Dr. Shen tells us to keep an eye on moles (which start to show themselves in the teenage years) as Timothy will be at a greater risk for skin cancer because of his type of cancer. We need to remember to slather on the sunblock - even in the winter months. A hilight today was an oppotunity to meet a boy and his mom at the Clinic. Danny (10 yrs) has been been recently diagnosed with Medulloblastoma (same as Timothy's) and is at the beginning of his treatment. Danny's first question for Timothy was "how long did it take for your hair to grow back"? I was able to whip out a picture I always carry in my wallet that has 2 pictures of Timothy within a 3 month period. In one he is completely bald and pale. The other he has a full head of hair and rosie cheeks. I hope we migh be able to visit Danny again in the near future. Thank you for your continued prayer for Timothy. Love, Ginny
April 6, 2004 - It's Easter Break and the boys are taking advantage and catching up on their sleep. Timothy is doing well. He needed to have some labwork done for his Endocrinology appointment in Feb. When the technician pulled out 6 tubes his eyes got very big! Thankfully the technician was really good and only had to poke him once. A couple of days later, it looked as if the lab had lost his samples and he was going to have to repeat the test. He was not happy about that. They were found misfiled under the wrong accuont. Although not scheduled yet, Timothy's next MRI will be in May, followed by another Oncology visit and Endocrinology visit. I will update then. Love, Ginny
April 29, 2004 - Timothy's MRI is scheduled for May 12th. It's a late afternoon appointment; therefore we most likely won't have results until the next day. We sure appreciate your prayers. Timothy has a couple of exciting weekends to look forward to in June - The first weekend is OCF camp. This is the Oncology family camp we go to twice a year and we always have so much fun. This year Big Brother Jeremy will go as a counselor. The following weekend Timothy will be walking in the Relay for Life raising $ for cancer research. Timothy's Grandma Linsday has been battling her cancer since before Timothy was ever diagnosed. Cancer is an ever present war that touches so many lives! Research IS extending lives and curring some cancers. Last, but not least, June marks the end of another school year. We all look forward to the more leisurely pace of summer. I took Timothy shopping yesterday after he had complained for a few days that his feet were hurting. I was shocked when he needed shoes 2 sizes bigger! The good news is, that probably means he's growing. The bad news is I have "Mommy Guilt" for not getting him shoes sooner. Dads, you may not get this. All you moms out there, I know you do. Thank you for praying for Timothy's upcoming MRI. Love, Ginny
May 14, 2004 - MRI IS CLEAR!!! What a blessing it is to be able to say that once again. Thank you so much to all that continue to pray for Timothy. He will have an appointment with his Oncologist in a couple of weeks and we will find out then how long until the next MRI. Love, Ginny
July 9, 2004 - Timothy has met with the Oncologist and Endocrinologist, had 2 more sets of labwork done and has been fitted for Orthodics in his shoes since I last wrote. He has a hearing test, a dental appointment and an eye exam all coming up this month. We've been busy with appointments! We will now be on the 6 month schedule for MRI's, so we're looking at November. Timothy has grown 3/4" since February, but his weight has been a yo-yo. He lost 9 lbs since Feb., and even though his weight is now more in line with his height, he's not trying to lose weight. One of his thyroid labs was high so we have repeated that test at a special lab and should have results in the next week or two. He may need to be on thyroid medication, which he's okay with since it's a pill and NOT another shot. Summer has been a great time for me to reconnect with the kids without the rushing from here to there. We don't have to be on a strict schedule like we do during the school year with dinner time, bath time, bedtime. We stay up late reading, the boys can sleep in (while I work) and then have a liesurely breakfast (yes, I confess) in front of the TV. There is a LOT more play time going on. We have been going to the free concerts once a week at the park, we have fun visiting the local Farmer's Market and checking out all the fresh produce which is so abundant this time of year, and of course there's is the beach. I am still blessed to be able to work from home so I can juggle my schedule to take these outings. Timothy is also bowling once a week this summer which he really seems to enjoy - and he's good! Thank you for your continued prayer. Love, Ginny
October 18, 2004 - Greetings! We are now well into the routine of another school year. Timothy is in 8th grade and enjoying most of his classes but dreading the homework that keeps him at the table each night. He is taking some honors classes, which was his choice. He likes the challange and most of his friends are in these classes as well, but there is definitely more work to do. Timothy has not needed any thyroid medication and is doing well. He continues with his growth hormone injections and is monitored by his Endocrinologist and Oncologist. We are thankful for Timothy's remission and health, and at the same time we know that there are numerous children still waging their battle with cancer. We keep an ongoing prayer list. If you know of someone who could use some support from "someone that's been there", please feel free to have them contact us. Timothy will have another MRI in November. I'll let you know the date when I find out. There are some new pictures from this summer posted on page 4 of photos. Thank you for your continued prayer. Love, Ginny