07 October 2006

How Is Ellicia Doing?

So, how is she doing? Good question.

Well, medically, we'd have to say that we don't know. And, right now, there is no way to know.

We finished radiation treatment on Friday. She received a double dose! There will be no CT scans to check for tumor growth or reduction in the brain tumors for about four to five weeks.

In the meantime? Well, in the meantime we return to our normal cancer doctor to figure out what we do next.

We continue to wait for our reassignment paperwork to go through, and we (meaning I) begin all the prepwork needed to move our little crew back to the States.

Day to day life? Well, she has good days and bad days. She no longer carries anything breakable or sharp as we never know when something will give out. Driving is a long-ago memory now. And, of course, I don't leave her alone with our toddler. For her to get in/out of bed, we like to have me there... just in case.

She can move around alright. Slowly, but deliberately.

She still has her "Brain Freeze" moments. Brain Freeze has now been diagnosed by one of our doctors. Apparently, it's actually mini-seizures in the brain. What happens is that about twice a day, for approximately an hour at a time, she comes to a stop. She really can't concentrate on anything, or think through anything. For example, let's say she's playing solitaire. When the freeze comes, she can no longer figure out where the next card goes. Luckily, we seem to be able to tell when the freeze is coming, so... she'll just take a seat and wait for it to end. Or, if we're driving, then it's pretty easy...

Yes, she's still coherent and can answer basic questions ("Are you ok?", "Brain Freeze?", etc), but...

Her leg is no where near where it used to be, but it could be a lot worse.

Toes are wiggling... maybe that's a good sign.

So, what's with the picture? Well, fortuitously, we had professional pictures done while we were on leave. Here is hers.

She looks a bit different now. The hair is gone. So, of course, is one of the breasts.

Guess what? She's still beautiful. Her infectious smile and twinkle in the eye, that is still there. And she makes me laugh. And I love her.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your last sentence is the most important thing for her in your whole post. We love you all.

PJ said...

You are both beautiful people. You're at the top of my prayer list, and I have linked to from my blog in hopes of getting more people involved in your story. God bless you both and your families everywhere.

Anonymous said...

A treasured and beautiful photo.
Les & Colleen

Anonymous said...

thank you for the update.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photo. Are there more? ;-)

Rachelle Jones said...

still praying for you all, still thinking of you!!

Anonymous said...

Keeping Ellicia in my prayers.

Fermina Daza said...

Like Calico's Mom said, that last line is the most important one.

We are all praying for you and for miracles, both big and small.

Anonymous said...

beautiful post! Like others have said, the last line is the most important line in the post. whenever you write about Ellicia, I can just feel how much you love her.

continuing to pray for your family.

Anonymous said...

Still praying for Ellicia and your whole family. Your love for her shines through in every word you write about her!

Like Andrea and Mark, I have posted about you and hope that it will help in some small way.

Anonymous said...

As Calico's mom said, you are last sentence is the most important.
Love is stronger than cancer, ... love is all.
I send you a lot courage from France.