UPDATE: This is more of an educational post. Parker has tumors, yes plural. She has 5 to be exact and she has had them since September of 2016. The 1st tumor in her Pons measures 3.2x2.5 cm most is comprised of a fluid filled cyst, the original tumor. Then she has tumor material throughout her ventricles. Now for the spine, I included a pic so you can see where they are located. Going down the spine she has 3. The 1st is located between T1-T2 measuring 1cm. 2nd tumor is locat...ed at T6-T7 measuring 1.2cm. The last spinal tumor is located at T10-L1 measuring 4.1cm. From the MRI images we can measure these tumors, but what we can also see is necrosis and sometimes density. The 3rd tumor in her spine looks to be less dense and necrotic. Now discussing necrosis, is it good or bad? Well, it's both! Necrosis means that something is happening-treatment taking effect and killing the cancerous cells. However, it doesn't necessarily mean shrinkage. The material/blockage is still there and can cause the same symptoms. Then we look at clinical status. How is she, what functions has lost/gained. Parker still remains in ICU for her pneumonia. She had her breathing tube removed Thursday. Her doctor states that over the next three days it will be critical to see how her breathing improves and if she will need to be sedated again with tube. As of right now, she is improving! She is more alert and responding to her dad (not me so much 🤔) and still has her sass spunk, giving high fives and pushing nurses away when they need to move her etc. The chest X-ray shows that secretions are still there, but are working out with medicine, nebulizers, and her coughing. Next, her left eye is unable to close completely when she sleeps, so they have medicine too keep it lubricated etc. However, while she was sedated for 3 days it got very dry. Therefore, they have a specialist coming to look at it. Parker continues with her PT while in ICU, and she says (PT) Parker continues to improve with strength in her right leg which has been the most concern since she progressed in September. Her fight is still there and we take it into a positive direction. Therefore, for now we address the immediate concerns, pneumonia and her eye. Then we continue to address the tumors. Lastly, she is no longer considered anemic after 2 blood transfusions. Fact about Mexico- when someone receives a blood transfusion they ask family to have donors to replenish their stock, so Danny and I will be donating for the two transfusions she received.
Emotionally- I posted this picture of my family of 5, yes 5! This is us and it became complete on this day the photo was taken, July 8th, 2009. I would like to replace our family photo that is hanging on our living room wall back home with ALL 5 of us when we return to the states. If your reading this far, I thank you and want you to visualize that this could be your family, your sister's/brother's family or just someone close to you. These aren't just words on a social media platform, it's our life and honestly, it could be you, rich, poor, black, brown, white, gay, straight, Christian, atheist - it doesn't discriminate.
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