Timmy had an MRI today. It was later in the afternoon, so we don't expect to get results until tomorrow. Poor guy just doesn't have good veins. He has to have a contrast dye put in midway through the MRI. He always gets the same questions "So which arm do you usually use?" "Do you ever have any problems?" "Hmmmmmm" They ended up using his writst instead of the inner elbow because they couldn't find a vein. Timothy is a trooper. More news tomorrow. Love, Ginny
Wednesday 6/12/02 - MRI IS CLEAR! Thank you all for praying. Love, Ginny
Thursday 6/20/02 - Timothy had an Oncology apt. today. All went well. We were able to see Dr. Shen, which was a special treat. I asked for prayer earlier for Timothy's Oncologist, Dr. Shen, as she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is going through chemotherpay herself. We love her and appreciate all she has done for Timmy. It was good to see her today. Timothy will have some tests done mid July - bone age, thyroid and such, to prepare for his appointment with Endocrinology late July. He should then start growth hormone. For now, we are enjoying Timmy's first summer in 2 years where he has felt well. Thank you for your continued prayer. Love, Ginny
Tuesday 7/23/02 - Wow! It has been over a month since I have updated this site. Timothy continues to do well. He still lacks the energy and stamina. We expected this might come back more quickly after chemo was done, however the doctor tells us that the hormone therapy should help. We have tried to enjoy each day doing something - free concert at the park, Wild Rivers, visit friends, library - we are really enjoying the slower pace of summer. Timothy keeps his skills sharpened by working through a school workbook. Just a page a day, which he seems to enjoy doing most days. Timothy had his lab work and x-ray last week. The lab technician was able to get his vein the first time - Hooray! And, our dear nurse friend Kathy met us for lunch before the labs. She has been such a wonderful help throughout Timothy's treatment, and still is. It was fun to see her outside of the hospital/clinic. This Monday, 7/29, we will meet with Timmy's Endocrinologist and (hopefully) start the hormone therapy. Timmy is anxious to get this going. Thank you for praying. Love, Ginny
Wednesday 7/31/02 - Timmy will need to wait for Hormone Therapy. His doctor wants to wait the complete year off treatment, which won't be until the end of Aug. She would also like to wait until after his next MRI. I am trying to get the MRI scheduled in Sept. and Timmy will see his Endocrinologist again at the end of Sept. The Cortisol that Timmy has been taking is causing weight gain (it is a steriod) but the doctor said that this is a very important chemical that the body needs and Timothy's body is not producing it. Without cortisol, your body can go into shock and you can have heart problems. He is taking the lowest dose that is safe for him. Timmy's thyroid tests all came back fine and we are thankful for that. Love, Ginny
Tuesday 8/27/02 - We have just come home from a 5 day camping trip. We have camped every year since the boys were just infants, but have missed the past 3 years. It was very fun to get back in our tent. We camped by the beach and had wonderful weather. Tomorrow we celebrate Timothy's 1 year off treatment, a few days later his 12th birthday. God is good! It is great to be able to celebrate these milestones. Next MRI has been scheduled for September 19th. Thank you for continued prayer. Love, Ginny
Thursday 09/19/02 - MRI has been rescheduled for Mon. 23rd. We got to Hoag this a.m., but they only had orders to scan the brain and Timmy needs the brain and spine scanned this time. It is an afternoon appointment on Monday therefore we probably won't get the results until Tues. 24th. Timothy was bummed because he missed 2 hours of class. We rarely have the option of scheduling appointments after school hours so he will be taken out of class 3 x next week for various appointments.
Last weekend we attended Family Camp with OCF-OCF (Orange County Foundation for Oncology Children and Families). The boys had a blast - Trenton's favorite was riding the horses. Timothy's favorite was the rifle shooting and crafts. The parents had time to talk to other parents dealing with many of the same or similar issues. This was our 4th camp and the boys are forming friendships - especially good for Timothy to be aware there are many, many other children who have gone through cancer treatment and are doing well. I will update after the MRI next week. Love, Ginny
Tuesday 09/25/02 - MRI IS CLEAR! No matter how many MRI's Timothy has, we never take a cavalier attitude and it is such a huge relief to get good news. Timothy has a follow up Oncology appointment today and Friday will have the appointment with his Endocrinologist to begin Hormone Therapy. Thank you for praying. Ginny