I wanted to UPDATE the last entry. As I mentioned, we had a 3:30 pm consult with the UCDavis radio-oncologist who provided the radiation therapy for Claire. She had a different opinion in regards to Claire's MRI Images. In brief, radiation takes time to evaluate. It damages the DNA of cells and over a period of time limits/eliminates the tumor cells ability to reproduce. UCD'S opinion is that it is too early to confirm the enhancement we are viewing is active tumor. We understand our lead oncologist's worries and aggressive approach to beating this cancer, but had underlying concerns with Claire's current health status in tolerating chemo at this point. The UCD consult re-affirmed our doubts and led us to re-evaluate direction. We have requested the UCDavis team to speak with our Sutter oncologist on opinion. We will then listen to both and come to a desicion on timeline. We are now scheduled for a Gamma Knife consult on May 12th with a tentative treatment date of May 22nd. This option remains a probable treatment. Assuming the consult with the treatment team provides a strong opinion on the benefits vs risk of the procedure, we will go forward with Gamma Knife.
I do need to mention that over the past 10 days Claire has experienced a decline in health. Our Doc's told us that this most likely would be the case(7-9 weeks out) after undergoing full cranio-spinal radiation. The dramatic decline has become more evident with each day. Nausea and severe fatigue have really set in the past few days. Sometimes in the daily fight you can lose perspective in wanting to cure claire -vs- the quality of day to day life. I believe this may have been the case today. Deep inside we had huge concerns in starting chemo treatment so quick. We will have more discussion in the next few day's and monitor Claire's physical situation. This will at least buy some time to evaluate and possibly, in preparing for Gamma Knife (which will require another MRI in 7-10 days), see a change in the tumor during that time period. If signs of tumor growth are still evident we will most likely agree to begin chemotherapy.
I will try to update as this process progresses.
Thanks for the never ending love and support!
posted by Miller Family @ 9:40 PM
14 Comments:
I believe you are making the correct call. Always go with your gut instinct and since the MRI results are not clear and Claire has been in poor health, it makes 100% perfect sense to hold off. Luckily, if her only ailments are nausea and fatigue, as distressing as it it is to watch, these things will pass. So look upon it as her road to recovery. Very glad to hear the MRI results may be even better news than you earlier posted. I stopped by here because I was thinking you weren't sleeping and I just clicked on to look at the posts. So I am glad I found this. Sleep well tonight.
Love Lindy
Whatever your family and Claire's team decide....we know it will be the right one! Thank you soooo much for the updates....I look forward to reading everyday!
I know Claire's health will improve and she will regain her strength to move forward and beat this thing!
Nona
Chris and Shannon
Thank you so much for including all of us in Claire's treatment and progress. This is such an unselfish thing as you go through all of this and still take time to keep us up to date.
We check daily and also with Grammie and Papa to make sure they know we love them too.
Your quiet courage always inspires us.
love Hal and Judy
My heart goes out to you as you make these difficult treatment decisions. But whatever route you take, I know it will be the best for Claire. I pray that this difficult post-radiation time will be brief and that Claire will feel better soon.
www.walkingwithangels.net
Thank you so much for keeping all of us who care so very much updated. We do admire you all so much and BELIEVE that super Claire will come out a winner! Bless you all.
Love, Ken and Nancy
Oh my goodness. It is always so difficult to express in words the thoughts and feelings that we all have. First of all, we do want to thank you for the updates. Knowing the details helps us to pray in detail.
Secondly, huge cyber hugs are being sent to each and everyone in your family. And last but not least, we continue to believe in Claire and we are so thrilled for any 'hope' that is delivered her way. We pray the side effects will subside so Claire can continue to be the 'mighty' Claire she was born to be.
Claire and Family -
I pray for your coninued strength and any peace you can gather during this horrendous time. You are wonderful parents and Claire is a beautiful angel who brings joy and courage to us all.
Love,
Peggie
We will continue to PRAY for a Miracle! Claire is fighter!!
Love,
Elaine & Mark
With our continued thoughts and prayers... we love you!!
The Brush Family
I was so anzious to read Claire's updates as I've been away for the last three. As distressing as her fatigue, nausea, etc are to all of you, I still have great faith in Claire and her ability to beat all odds. We've learned so much from Claire since this horrible situation began and I really do believe she is an angel from God and that she will be with us for a long time to come. You always have our prayers and love.
Stay positive...Patty and the rest of the Warlicks
Claire, Shannon, Chris and the rest of the Miller Family, You continue to amaze us with your love, strength and endurance. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
The Arevalo Family
Andrew and I continue our prayers daily for you all! Love, Melanie
Happy Mother's Day, Shannon.
May your day be filled with precious smiles and love.
Cheers -
another mom
yoo... funny post.
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