Tuesday, August 12, 2014

1 year post chemo

I know this post is a few weeks late, but here it is.
Cheyenne had her 1 year post chemo scans in July.  She was able to do the MRI(about 40 minutes) without sedation.  This girl amazes me!  Her determination surpasses that of an average adult.  Its probably that same determination that frazzles and exasperates me too ;)  We received her results last week and the Doctors are happy with her scans and with her progress.  1 year cancer free.
Cheyenne is proudly sporting a new pair of purple glasses.  It has took some determination and a few apparatices later but I think we finally have them staying on her face straight.  (Cheyenne's surgery to remove the tumour left her ear displaced making this a trying job)  Cheyenne is looking forward to September and going into grade 1.


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

9 month scan results

On monday Cheyenne had her follow up appointment for her scan results.  These were her 9 month post chemo scans.  Cheyenne did great at her scans the other week.   The sedation nurse even suggested that we try her unsedated for the MRI next scan.  They have special goggles that she could wear and watch a movie during the MRI.
Her scan results were clear.  There is spot where the radiation has caused damage in the form of bone thinning.  The doctors will continue to watch this area.
Yesterday we received a call from the hospital to book her port removal surgery.  We were able to get a cancellation for next tuesday at 12:30.  This should be a simple procedure, and if all goes well we will be able to go home afterwards.
Thanks to all who have kept us in your prayers.
We were able to see a few friends when we went to clinic Monday and are happy to pass on that Crystal is 1 year cancer free.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Our new addition and prayer request

We are proud to announce our new little blessing.   Gracelynn Alexis was born April 2nd shortly after noon.  She is a very content baby, and her siblings are enamoured by her.

Cheyenne had her CT and MRI the beginning of the month. .  These are her 9 month post chemo scans.  We head down tomorrow for results.  Please keep us in your prayers.  

Monday, March 24, 2014

A quick update-March 24

I just thought I should post an update seeing as it has been awhile.  Cheyenne is scheduled next week wednesday and friday for her 9 month post chemo Ct (chest), and MRI (head).  She will also have her routine bloodwork done at the same time.  Once we receive her results back they will reschedule her port removal.  We have had a couple chances to take a cancellation but both times Cheyenne had plans and I really felt that she has had to miss things for appointments and this wasn't on my list of priorities.
Cheyenne also has a follow-up booked with the orthopedic surgeon this thursday.   This is to watch the side effects from her neuropathy that the chemo caused.  We do notice that she still walks on tip toes, but they are more concerned at this time of her knock knees.
Cheyenne also went to visit the opthamologist over the March break.  They are going to continue to monitor her every 3 months.  Her one eye still wanders at time, however they would rather wait to see if it will correct itself over time.
I will try to post an update once we get her results.  I anticipate those the 2nd week of April.



Monday, February 17, 2014

port removal cancelled

We received a call friday to say that Cheyenne's port removal surgery for this coming Wednesday had been cancelled. The operating room was needed for an urgent case.  We have been placed on a cancellation list and will hopefully be done within the next 90 days.  Will keep you posted.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

February update

I am having issues with this blog.  It has taken me 4 attempts to get  logged in.  If it works on the PC, then it wont work on the tablet and vice versa.
Last month Cheyenne had her 6 month post chemo tests.  This included bloodwork, a chest CT and an MRI of her head.  We spent last monday in clinic getting our results.  The oncologist was very pleased with Cheyennes progress over the past 3 months.  There previously was an area of concern on her MRI that was thought to be post operative scar tissue or damage from the radiation. This has resolved itself.  However another area was detected and at my insistance the doctor personally went down and had a meeting with the  radiologist and another specialist and determined it was not a recurrance but is thought to be a distorted blood vessel.  This could be caused from radiation damage, but is most likely from Wyatt and Cheynne smacking heads the week before her MRI.  We will have to wait until her next scans in April to know for sure, but I have peace about it for now.
Cheyenne is headed to McMaster today for her pre-op to have the port removed next Wednesday.   Please keep her in your prayers.  Although it seems to be a fairly easy procedure,  it still is a surgery.  And for Cheyenne, there seems to be an emotional attachment to her chemo accessories.
The last couple weeks have had a lot of ups and downs emotionally.   We get so attached to our friends at the hospital, they become a part of our families.
I'll start with the positive news, Collin finished his last inpatient antibody therapy treatment in hospital.
Jamshid, who is the same age as Cheyenne, was found to have a tumour in his brain at his post chemo scan.  He underwent surgery to have it removed Monday and will proceed with radiation once he is healed.
For an update on Browyn, go here.
Today is the funeral of Austin, a fellow patient from McMaster who passed away last week.
Last week Josiah, was diagnosed with leukaemia.   In April 2012, David went to Mexico to help the Dyck family with building the new hall.  They have been missionaries in Mexico for the past 9 years.  They were up visiting family in Ontario when they got Josiah's diagnosis. They no longer have OHIP coverage, and are Josiah is loking at 2-3 years of treatment.  He is currently being treated in London.  I believe they are setting up a trust fund to help with his healthcare costs.
Please keep all of our friends in your prayers.  And please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she has her port removed next wednesday.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Childrens Wish - Part 5 and update

I realize that it has been a long time since I have updated the blog.  We have been busy lately and it slips my mind...frequently.  This past Friday Cheyenne had a port flush at Mac.  We didn't see the oncologist.  That appointment is February 3rd after her MRI(January 20th) and CT(January 6th).  She will have a physical, bloodwork and we will get her scan results then.  Cheyenne was also set to see the plastic surgeon.  Dr Choi has a special place in our hearts.  He is always so compassionate towards our concerns and even towards how Cheyenne feels about decisions that have to be made.  He was so pleased with her healing, and amazed at how nicely her hair has grown in.  Because she had a scalp rotation, there is a chance that her hair doesn't lay flat and sit nicely(yes I know this is minor in the grand scheme of things).  Dr Choi's nurse, Brenda was so happy to be able to give Cheyenne hair clips out of the treatbox.   
Monday afternoon saw us back at Mac to see Dr McLean.  He is our ENT.  He did the nerve mapping for Cheyenne's surgery.  He now follows up watching for nerve damage, and issues related to her ear.  This can be because of the radiation and also her ear being displaced.  Dr McLean and Dr Choi both agree that the longer we wait before she has the second surgery to place her ear the better.
Tuesday morning we went to visit Dr Sabri, her opthamologist, also at Mac.  Cheyenne has some vision issues related to her chemo that haven't resolved yet.  Her one eye turns in.  They have watched this for 9 months so far.  She will go back in March for a different test(couldn't do it after they dilated her pupils) and that will determine if she gets glasses or not.  She was pretty bummed.  She wanted a pair of glasses.

Part 5 of our Alaskan trip
Friday was spent in Juneau, Alaska.  For our port adventure we headed out on a catameran to go whale watching and look for wild life.  Interesting fact about Juneau, there are only 2 ways in, by boat or plane.  This is the capital of Alaska and homeplace of Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska.


These are humpback whales.  They can be spotted by the mist shooting up from the water.  It is unusual to see this many in one sighting.  The pictures don't do justice.


The flip of the tail

A random blow


The kids using the binoculars to look for wildlife




We were able to get close to all these sealions.  There were hundreds of them.

We took a little secret with us to Alaska.  This little miracle is due to arrive in April 2014.