Quick Update

Hello All,

I apologize for the time between updates. As I stated on February 4th, the initial report was stable disease. Claire and I met with our lead oncologist on February 10th to discuss the scans. I was very surprised with the outcome of this appointment. Dr. Wu presented me with 2 screens of images (which is not abnormal for our MRI meetings). She asked me what I saw. In one image the area of concern was visibly larger and brighter. The other image showed a smaller "tumor" with a bit less brightness to the enhancement. The particular images were both of the same area but obviously from different dates. I assumed I was viewing the most recent scan as larger and she was presenting the original pre-radiation scan for reference. I have become fairly educated in reading Claire's scans and comparing them to the last. I had not been going back beyond a scan or maybe 2 when I did comparisons to the area of concern. I was beyond joyous when Dr. Wu explained to me that the image showing a smaller enhancement was Claire's most recent February image. She was contrasting it with an image from June 2008. What this represented was that the radiation treatment appears to have had a positive result and most likely damaged the tumor. Only time will answer our questions but Dr. Wu (and some members of Tumor Board) presented this as a very good sign. Hopefully the damage and destruction to those cells will continue, stopping the disease from being able to awaken and grow.

Claire is doing well. She has her days but who doesnt. We are fortunate and blessed. She is going to give T-Ball a try (Shannon and another friend are coaching!) this spring and that should provide some classic Claire moments.

Please continue to think of and pray for Claire. Our next MRI is scheduled for early May and we believe that her MIRACLE will continue.