First Day of Chemo - Beam Signing

Makenzie got a follow up MRI on Tuesday. Everything looks good. There is a little bit of fluid that is leaking up through the hole created for placing instruments to remove the tumor. It is collecting on the outside of her brain, between the outside of the brain and her skull. It has been building up since surgery. We are watching that... if it continues to build up then she may need a second shunt placed to drain that fluid off. We will get another MRI on July 8th to check on that.

The neurosurgeon gave his OK to start the chemo so Kenzie started the chemo pills (Temodar)last night. So far, so good. She did not get sick from that pill. We are praying that she will continue to tolerate this medicine well and that it will be effecting against what remains of her tumor. Please, keep her in your prayers as she takes this chemo. She will take it 5 days a month for at least a year.

Makenzie and mom also went down to the children's hospital this morning for a beam signing ceremony. They are expanding the hospital. Many kids who are or were patients at PCH placed their hand prints and signatures on two special white "beams of hope" that will be a permanent part of the new hospital. PCH really is a great place. Like they always say at fundraisers, you hope you never need it, but it's nice to know it's there.

We have had so many people help us out in so many ways over the past few years and during the last month or so. We'd love to send thank you cards to each and every person, but there are too many people... and I am sure we are not even aware of all the people who have done something to help us out. We had people watch our kids for long hours while Kenzie was in the hospital (mostly Grandmas, Grandpas, and Rachel). We had more good food brought in that we knew what to do with. Many of you visited Makenzie in the hospital and brought her (and her brothers) gifts. We have many many people, some who don't even know Kenzie that well, fast and pray for her. We've heard of kids in her primary at church who have never fasted before fast twice in one week for Makenzie... that really amazes us and we appreciate it. We've had people organize and contribute to fundraisers to help with the expenses associated with medical bills, travel expenses, and all that goes with battling major health issues. We truly appreciate all the support we've received from so many of you.