December 21. 2007 - Results are in

We took Keira to Children's today for her oncology appointment and got the results of her tests. All good news to follow!

Her chest CT showed her primary mass to be stable to slightly smaller. We didn't expect to see significant change since it hasn't been more than 8 weeks since her prior exam. We are grateful that there hasn't been an increase in size. Her Echo showed her heart function to be normal. The chemotherapy she received can be toxic to the heart, but so far Keira's heart looks good. She certainly acts as if everything is pumping normally. We can barely keep up with her! Her bloodwork is finally back to completely normal! Her white count had been low ever since her diagnosis, but it looks like it has finally recoverd completely. We are very excited!

The plan for now is to repeat her CT every 3 months for the next year but to do monthly urine checks. This will hopefully allow us to spare Keira the traumatic experience of IV placement and fasting for hours on end, yet still closely monitor her for relapse. We are very happy with this plan and look forward to less frequent trips to the CT scanner.

Keira and Jason are currently fighting off a viral infection and both feel miserable. Keira has learned to say "Nose Hurt!" This morning she woke up with what looked like a black eye and then later on started having some drainage. Yep, she has developed pink eye. Poor girl, you can't explain to her that this will pass and she'll feel better soon.

This year, despite the facts that Keira and Jason are both currently sick and Erin is working nights, we are looking forward to a truly joyous and wonderful Christmas. Our little girl is doing great and we are incredibly grateful. This will be our best Christmas ever as we celebrate God's goodness. As we celebrate God's greatest gift of His Son, we cannot help but be acutely aware that He has also given us the incredible gift of our daughter. Merry Christmas!

Jason, Erin, and Keira Grace