View from Wills

The offices for Dr. & Dr. Shields is located on the 14th floor of the Wills Eye Institute/Hospital. We were treated to this vista while in the waiting room.

Below is a photograph of books by the two doctors that were in the lobby at the base of the building.


So while writing two books, running the premiere eye tumor diagnosis and treatment clinic, this married couple also raised seven (7!) children.

So may be these aren't the best pictures, but all I had was my phone camera.

Prognosis with Great News!

The examinations are over and we have good news.

We started today very early. Our cab from the Ronald McDonald House arrived at 5:30 AM EDT. From there we were whisked (some what precariously) to the Wills Eye Hospital. There we began our examination with Dr. Jerry Shields who took our background and history around 8:00 AM.

By 8:45 Molly underwent a ultra sound scan of her eyes. She was a doll and slept through the procedure.

By 9:30 AM they performed a visual examination of all three of us. Dr. Carol Shields performed the examinations of first Kalee, then me, and finally Molly. Kalee and I were both completely normal. Molly didn't like the procedure because the doctor had to place a infant sized eye specula in her eye to hold it open.

By 10:30 AM Dr. Shields performed a retina camera procedure where she could take photographs of Molly's retinas and the tumors there. At the end of the examination she gave us her prognosis.


We have been blessed by God in knowing that Molly will not require surgery. She will undergo chemotherapy here at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Molly will have to under go 4 to 6 rounds of chemotherapy, once a month, two days in a row. Dr. Shields said that we caught the retinoblastoma early, and that most cases aren't caught until a year and a half.

All praise be to Jesus our Lord and Savior! He truly provides comfort and healing.

At the Wills Eye Institute

We're at the Wills Eye Institute, beginning examinations.

Whirlwind Week

Hi everyone. For those who we haven't been able to contact yet, on Monday, July 20th, Molly was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma is a kind of childhood cancer that affects the retina, and Molly has it in both eyes. Kalee had been worried that Molly couldn't focus on her, and was concerned about her vision. At Molly's scheduled 2-month exam, on Monday, the pediatrician took a look and referred us on to a pediatric ophthalmologist. From there we were on our way to Children's Hospital for an MRI and other tests. All to get ready for a trip to Philadelphia and to see doctors at the Wills Eye Hospital.

It's Sunday now, and God blessed us with wonderful traveling weather. We had no delays, and best of all there was room for us at the Ronald McDonald House. We've got an early morning tomorrow at Wills, and we'll just take one step at a time after that. We'll know more as the week goes on. Thank you all for all of your prayers, gifts and other help!

BTW: Kalee says that next time you see one of those coin boxes for the Ronald McDonald House, don't pass it up. Having this place available is a real blessing, it is very inexpensive, and accommodating to families.

Fireworks

Matt's camera skills at work... I like this picture. This is part of the big show in our neighborhood!

Some of the Family here for the holiday!

Matt and his cousins working on the basement...


Super Sammy sportin the mohawk...


Marcus and Raleigh playing in the tent at Papa's house...


Molly, sleeping... of course...


Marcus lovin his sister!

4th of July Parade!

Thank you Katie, for helping me take the kids to the parade! I think Marcus had a good time! He especially enjoyed the firetrucks and collecting the candy, of course! It is always fun to sit and watch all the wierd people, too. That was a long parade. Hope everyone had a safe 4th!