Home

So, we're finally home. After some delays in Philadelphia, and a ride in a hot plane from Chicago we are back.

The Ronald McDonald House was truly a blessing. We're very grateful to have been able to stay there.

Our journey has begun and still has a lot of treking ahead of us. One of our concerns is that Molly doesn't come down with an infection while she's on the chemotherapy. Because it reduces cell production, it reduces blood cell production too. That means anemia, easy bruising, and reduced immune system response are concerns. Molly has a fever tonight and we hope that it's nothing serious and it's too soon to be chemo induced, but the oncologist warned us to keep in contact with either the doctors in Philadelphia or Omaha whenever something like that happens.

Can't wait to sleep in my own bed. We've been up since 3:30 AM CDT so that we could make our 7:54 AM EDT (6:45 AM) flight. It's been a long day.

Sleep

Kalee, Molly and Bradd are asleep. I'm about to go there myself soon. We had another big day. We met with the oncologist, then did the first round of chemotherapy. Molly did very well during the procedure.

When it was finishing up and when we got home she was fussy and it was really stressing Kalee out. Kalee hadn't been feeling well today too, so the whole ordeal this evening was very taxing on her. Bradd I were able to calm Molly by walking her and we were finally able to give her a bottle. Last I saw of her and Kalee, both were resting, and I think settling in for the night.

It's an emotional struggle. For me it feels like a set of things to do, to accomplish, all with many details to coordinate, and many people to work with to make sure all the wheels keep turning. For Kalee her number one concern is what Molly is experiencing. She has always been very empathic for both of our children. Maybe it's the maternal bond, maybe it's the level of communication that she has that goes beyond spoken word. I'm sure I'll never know, it is s very personal thing for her. I feel the pressure of dire consequences if I fail to perform, while kalee I think experiences the pain, frustration, and hardship that Molly is experiencing moment by moment.

If all goes well, and we can line things up with the airline, we may be able to travel home on Thursday. If not we maybe able to reschedule for Friday or Saturday. I'm not sure what the policy of the RMH is. I think I read something that asked families to move out as soon as their child was no longer receiving active treatment. But they may be understanding with the airline requirements and all. We're a little stuck because with the emergency medical flight option we received from United, we are required to fly the same route home, which is through Chicago. Flying home through Denver doesn't really seem like a good option either, because it would mean an extra 2 hours in the air, and a 4 hour flight doesn't sound like something that would go well.

Sarah, Michael and lil' Sammy stopped by the RMH tonight after we were done at CHOP. They came over while Molly was receiving chemo too. It was really great to have them around. Kalee and Sarah chatted for most of the 3 hours it took to administer the drugs. Who knew having your sister live 19 hours away would become such a blessing (well in some ways 19 hours away already was ;) ). RMH has been really great also. I'm gonna have to find a way to repay them some day.

Go

We're starting chemotherapy. It's 3:15 PM. Molly will receive three types of chemo drugs during the course. Tomorrow morning, we're due back first thing, to finish this round. If all goes well, we'll be traveling home on Thursday. Besides the chemo, Molly will be getting an anti nausea medication, an antibiotic, and another drug to stimulate white blood cell production.

Hurry up

The schedule keeps advancing. They were able to get us in to the Oncology schedule today at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). So we are in the waiting room and going to go see the doctor. It's 10:20 AM. We got the news about an hour ago.

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.