Half Way

Abby is about half way done with radiation. 8 treatments down, 9 more to go! She is doing amazing! Abby has and appointment with her Neuro Oncologist on August 5th to find out when she can return to school. This is a big year for the Radke's. Carly is starting preschool, Mason is going to kindergarten, and Abby is going back to school!

On Saturday, September 11th the Radke family will be participating in a fundraiser brain tumor walk in San Diego. We would love for you to walk with us and celebrate Abby's victory of her journey. It is a family friendly event, so all are welcome!

://www.braintumorcommunity.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BTW_SD_Homepage

Radiation Today

Today was Abby's first day of radiation. She did great! Cori was a little nervous going into the appointment. Worried how she would do with the mask over her face. She said that Abby came out of the appointment with a smile and the imprint of the mesh mask on her face:) The treatment itself lasts approx. 10 minutes and she will have a total of 17 treatments. Monday - Friday, everyday. Saturday and Sundays off. She is scheduled to complete treatments on August 12th.

Prior to radiation, Abby got some freedom and was able to get out into society. Her counts were good, so she was able to go to Carly's dance recital and shopping!

Great News Today!!

Last week Abby had an MRI and a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Results given today showed that there are no cancer cells in her cerebral spinal fluid. There had not been any cancer cells in her CSF all along, so the good news is that it did not spread. Along with that, her MRI looks clean and normal. The tumor cannot been seen. Even more great news is that all of her lab counts are normal By normal, I mean they are normal of when she was healthy and pre cancer diagnosis. There are no tumor markers or elevated blood levels that would indicate cancer. She is not "cured" yet. Any remaining cancers cells that she has are at the microscopic level and still requires radiation. We are very excited about the progress she is making. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Today, Abby went to the radiation clinic to be fitted for her mask. This mesh like mask will secure her head to a platform so she does not move during radiation treatments. She will have 4 weeks of radiation and will begin next week.

Radiation Soon

Last week Abby had a Neuro Psych test, which was approx. a 4 hour exam. This was an important test to have before beginning radiation to establish her baseline for her cognitive functioning. She did very well and scored average and above average on different aspects of the exam. The results will be used to see if radiation affects her mental development.

Radiation will begin in approx. one week. She will receive radiation treatments every day (Monday - Friday) for 4 weeks. 

MRI is scheduled for Friday, July 9th to "map her brain" to target the radiation. 

Abby got her new glasses today. Pictures to be posted soon. 

Discharged Today

Abby went home today. The medication put in her port was able to clear the line and it is now functioning properly. Also, her blood counts are rising and did not require a blood transfusion. 

Port

Abby is still in the hospital. She is doing fine, but there has been a turn of events. Her port may be failing. The nurses are able to push fluids in the line to flush it, but unable to draw blood from the port. Medication has been put in the port to try and clear the line. We will know later today if that was successful. In addition, her blood counts are still low and not rising. Blood tests today will determine if she needs another transfusion. 

This visit to the hospital Abby has been pretty bored. The playroom is only open for 2 hours each day on the weekend. She has to wear her mask while in the playroom since her counts are so low, she had a fever and she is very susceptible to infection. She doesn't really like wearing her mask, so her visit to the playroom yesterday was brief.

Transfusion and Hospitalization

Thursday, Abby had a platelet transfusion. Her levels were at an all time low. Friday afternoon, Abby had a slight fever. She was monitored at home. She continued to have a fever and the chills. She was admitted to the hospital late Friday night for her fever and vomiting. She will be there at least 48 hours. Abby is complaining that her head hurts. I will post as I get more information. 

Another bump in the road, but we are approaching the home stretch soon. 

Radiation scheduled to begin in approx. 3 more weeks. Cori and Craig have decided to have radiation done in San Diego at Moore's Cancer Center at UCSD.