Emily’s Smiles through Difficult Trials

Emily rested comfortably this afternoon and woke up ready to color and EAT! The Cat Scan and MRI results both showed tumor progression as feared. Dr. G wants to try another chemo treatment and Emily will have it via IV in the morning along with another drug to help deter cell splitting. After this treatment they will come back home sometime tomorrow evening and then plan to return to Duke in 2 weeks for a followup and possibly another treatment. While at home she will continue with the steroids to help relieve pressure and of course an anti nausea drug. I could hear her talking up a storm when I was on the phone with Dawn this evening, as always, she said “Who are you talking to now Mommy?”. Always the inquisitive one!

Thank you to all for the prayers this evening. God answered the prayers and her folks felt His presence when Emily awoke talking and hungry this evening. Pray for comfort tonight, peace tomorrow with this drug, and safe travel home.

Love,
Stephanie

They were able to do the Cat Scan on Emily last night and she had the MRI today and is sleeping comfortably right now. Cat Scan did show some tumor progression in the upper spine and head. MRI results are not available yet. If all goes as expected this evening, they will hopefully return home tomorrow. Pastor Paul has been with them all day and will remain with them throughout this early evening until they speak with Dr. G. Until then, keep the prayers going. They are sustaining the family right now and God has shown his mercy already with Emily’s pain being eased. Wednesday night prayer meetings will surely lift Emily and her parents up this evening.

Love,
Stephanie

Emily has been admitted to Duke. They have given her morphine and steroids to help ease her pain and started her on an IV drip. She is feeling some comfort right now and that is a blessing. Later tonight they plan to do the cat scan and then tomorrow, Wednesday, they will do an MRI. Dr.G will evaluate the results of both and then discuss the results and options with Eddie & Dawn. Emily does still have the reservoir in her head that could be used to drain fluid if necessary. Until Dr. G has looked at the films, there is just no way to make a determination of what path to take.

I pray that the next update I have will be more positive and bring Emily back home. Until such time, please continue to pray for Emily’s comfort and guidance for Eddie and Dawn as they listen to the doctors and seek God’s will.

Love,
Stephanie