Nina's progress

Nina saw the pediatric oncologist last week, the surgeon and her primary care physician this week. The surgery to put the port in will be in the beginning of January. She will start her chemo treatment the same day. I requested from the primary care physician that Nina start a mild anti depressant before chemo. All doctors are in agreement that this is a good idea. Nina's primary care physician told her she is his "hero". She is doing so well and he knows she will beat this. Nina laughed and gave him a slight punch in the arm. She is such an amazing person! Her strength and positive attitude are incredible! I am so proud that she is my daughter. Please continue to pray. She still has so far to go on this very long, difficult journey!

Fund Raiser By Chaffey High School Transportation Department

On November 15, 2006 The Transportation Department from Chaffey High had a fundraiser for Nina. It was a huge success! They served breakfast which included pancakes and more : ) those who were there gave a donation to enjoy the breakfast. I heard that they had so many electric grills going that the lights in the building were shorting out! They raised a total of $465!!!!!!!!!!! Nina and I can not thank you all enough! And a very special thank you to Dennis and Donna Merkelbach. It is people like all of you who make the world a better place! You have touched my heart so deeply. Thank you again and God Bless.

Nina's plan for chemo

Nina saw the pediatric onclologist yesterday. The treatment plan is as follows: Nina will have a port surgiaclly implanted in her chest (under the skin) within the next two weeks. Once the port is in, we will schedule the appointment to start the chemo. The chemo will consist of three medications. Two of the chemo drugs will be through an iv. It will be administered in the doctors office each week, taking roughly 3 hours. She will do this for 4 week cycle. She will then take the oral chemo at home for a five day cycle. Followed by a two week rest period with no chemo. Then the cycle repeats itself. The length of treatment is 1 1/2 years. Nina still needs your prayers. 1 1/2 years is so long to go through chemo (I am still shocked). I am happy that we are finally on the road to resolving the issue, however, I am very scared.

Treatment has changed once again

I am very tired, so I hope this update makes sense. Nina saw the neurosurgeon today. I am very pleased to say the MRI showed no tumors in the spine. The treatment plan has changed though. A more aggressive chemo will be used to treat the tumor. Nina will have a port surgically implanted in her chest to administer her chemo drugs. She will go to the oncologist's office once a week and they will insert a iv in to the port and administer the medication. The side effects can be severe (ie hair loss, vomiting, fatigue, etc.). I would also like to give a very special thank you to Quincy Koffel for the very generous package of gifts sent to Nina (and a few for me too). After hearing the treatment plan today (hard for Nina to hear), this package gave Nina a huge boost of happiness and determination to over come her illness. I would like to also say thank you to our many monetary donors to date. Your generosity and kindness are very much needed and appreciated.

Update on Nina

Nina will see the pediatric oncologist on November 13, 2006 to finalize which chemo treatment plan I am choosing for her. I am choosing the pill form taken at home. If this is not effective (if it does not shrink the tumor), we will go with the main stream chemo (a port is inserted surgically and the chemo medication is given through the port) it will be administered once a week in the oncologist office. Today we visited the local Ronald McDonald house for a tour and orientation and are official volunteers. While volunteering Nina will be able to stay with me, and perform duties that are appropriate for her abilities. She was SO happy to be there. It brought tears to my eyes (as so many things do these days). The Ronald McDonald house in Orange was monumental in my ability to stay with Nina at St Josephs. The facilities are so beautiful. I am grateful that I can give back. And grateful that Nina is able to give as well. Amber, Nina's older sister will also volunteer.

Nina's progress

Nina had a 2 1/2 hour MRI last week checking for tumors in both the brain and the spine. As well as monitoring the growth of the existing tumor. This is the first MRI to include the spine. We are praying the spine will not have any growths. Nina will see the neurosurgeon Friday November 10, 2006 to review the results. She is also now enrolled in a independent home study program in order to complete high school. Nina is trying very hard to complete assignments, but needs help from Mom. Nina remains positive. I admire her strength so much. Please continue to pray for her : )