This Trip to Philly

So, we got back late last night form Philly.  Weather delayed us in Chicago, and we were on a flying roller-coaster on the way home.  We were there for just one night.  We had planned on a quick trip out to see the Ophthalmologist and Oncologist, but things ran long at Wills Eye Institute and we didn't make it out to see the Oncologist.  In general, Molly's doing very well.  Like past reports, there were no new seed sites, and they ophthalmologists were impressed with her visual capabilities.

She had a small re-occurrence on one of the seed sites in her right eye.  Dr. Shields was able to treat it with cryotherapy (freezing the tumor to kill it).  Carol (Dr. Shields) said that in a recent paper they published they found that there's a 18% chance for central tumors to re-occur after chemotherapy, and a 50% chance for a seed site to re-occur.  Molly has about 6 or so seed sites, so the chance that one would re-occur is increased.  Overall, good, but instead of being on a 6 month checkup period, we'll be back in August.

I like Dr. Shields.  Her patients are very important to her.  I think that's one of the reason she sees so many children.  She wants to make sure they are all going to be OK.  We learned that there's a lot in common with Western Pennsylvania and the rest of the Mid-West, as anyone who grew up swimming in muck-lined ponds can only know.

We spent some time after Molly's surgery at the park in the in the bottom right of the map I linked.  Lots of grass and great paths for walking.  Go there if you get a chance, Washington Square's near the Liberty Bell Monument.  The park was so peaceful that I think angels stop by every now and then.  Turns out it was part of the original plan laid down by William Penn himself, though I don't think it's original name was Washington Square.  A marker there stated that there were to be five spaces dedicated to public use.  The one at the center was for town meetings (and is were City Hall is now) and  the other four were to be green spaces for enjoying the outdoors.  Apparently the British used it for a mass grave of revolutionaries during the Revolutionary War.  Beautiful place with a monument to the unknown soldier.  I suggest stopping by for a walk if you get the chance.  The surrounding architecture is cool too.