Nina's Progress & Family Thoughts

Update on Nina

2007-06-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hello to all! I am sorry I have not had the ability to update Nina's blog, as our computer broke and have little access to a computer. Nina graduated from high school June 12. She was a commencement speaker, won the outstanding student award and received a five hundred dollar scholarship to help defray the cost's of furthering her education. I have to say, her speech was perfect and most of the guests gasped when she shared her "tumor" portion of the speech! It was a very emotional day for all of us! I was so proud of her. Nina was on a four week break from chemo until last Friday. She went for her maintenance round of chemo and had a pretty severe reaction. Her face turned very red, along with her ears, neck, back and arms. Her lips were purple, she had some trouble breathing also. The next few chemo transfusions will be done in the hospital to monitor her and try and slowly build her tolerance to the drugs. If that is not successful, they doctors will meet with me to come up with a new plan (new chemo drugs). Nina has been in very good spirits. Happy as always! Please continue to pray for her and thank you for your support!

Nina's progress

2007-04-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

Nina had chemo again on Friday. It went very well. Her memory continues to improve and she is my hero! She is such a great girl! The rest of the family is doing very well! I am looking forward to the day that this will be behind us!

Nina's progress

2007-04-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

Nina had chemo the last two Friday's. She is a true warrior! She amazes me daily! She is doing so well. Seems nothing can get my girl down. She still has most of her hair. The Easter bunny brought her a clip in ponytail for Easter. It looks so cute on her. She loves it! She kissed it when I put it on her. Looks like her hair did before she got sick. Her memory continues to improve. She saw the urologist last week. She does not have to go back for six months! One less doctor to see! She also saw the neuro psychologist. Nina will begin testing with her this week. The testing will take six hours total, broken up in to two hours once a week. They will provide a very comprehensive report at the end of testing and be able to guide me to help Nina continue her recovery and with furthering her education. Nina's sister Amber is in counseling now. It seems that she has been having anxiety attacks. This may be causing her headaches and feeling of dizziness. The counselor is teaching Amber how to control the anxiety and medication will probably be a part of her therapy as well. Nina's younger brother and sister, Luke and Jasmine and I went for a very specail day to Disneyland. We had a great time. I wanted to be sure that they know how very special they are to me. I know at times it is hard for them because Nina get's so much attention. It was their special day. Last Friday was one year ago that Nina got sick and almost lost her life. We celebrated her life with twelve of her friends and family having spaghetti dinner and Easter bunny cake and coloring Easter eggs! Everyone had a blast. Nina was very happy.

Another special thak you!

2007-03-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Kay and Lori from Grants wishes met Nina and I at the cancer institute on Friday morning. They presented Nina with a beautiful scrap book of her very special day (shopping, make over, dinner, movies and limo ride). They also had a gift from Torrid for Nina................Torrid's (also the owner of Hot Topic) president sent Nina a card and enclosed two five hundred dollar gift certificates to their store!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Both Nina and I were shocked to say the least! Thank you so much to Kay, Lori, Grants Wishes and Torrid!!!!!!!!! Nina is ready to go shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nina's progress

2007-03-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Nina was not able to have her scheduled chemo therapy last Friday. Her blood counts were too low. Instead she had another blood transfusion. This turned in to a seventeen hour day (travel time and time at the cancer institute and CHOC hospital). She is scheduled to have chemo this coming Friday provided her blood work is okay. She is doing well. Laughing and happy as usual. She has an appointment with a neuro pschologist this Wednesday. They will conduct testing to gage her deffecits and help with regaining what was lost from the trama to her brain. She will also see the psychologist to have some one to talk with about her feelings. The rest of the family is doing well.

NINA'S TUMOR IS SHRINKING!!!!!!!

2007-03-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

We saw the neurosurgeon today. He confirmed that the tumor is shrinking!!!!! He told me he never expected it to shrink, only stop growing. He smiled the entire time we were in his office. He said that oncology may consider the tumor to be stable and stop chemo. Nina's oncologist is on vacation this week, so we will talk with her when she is back. My feeling is to continue treatment as long as Nina is doing well to get maximum results. We will see what the oncologist says. The neurosurgeon also said that Nina's memory and eye sight should improve as the tumor shrinks. He showed me the last MRI (November) and the new one sided by side. There is no mistaking that this tumor had shrunk! This is all such great news! Nina is a warrior. She continues to defy the odds of this disease!!!!!!!

Nina's progress

2007-03-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day filled with doctor’s appointments. Nina’s platelets were low on Friday (23). They should be no lower than 20. On Sunday she had a spot on her arm that would not stop bleeding. She also had petechia (small purple spots on her body from small blood vessels bursting near the skin due to low platelets). So, our first stop was CHOC cancer institute to have blood drawn to check platelets. After this we went to have her three-month MRI. Then we headed to her ob/gyn appointment. The doctor said that they were unable to read the ultrasound of her uterus and ovaries. A MRI will be done instead. Nina’s bone density test read low / average number. The test will be repeated yearly and if the number drops at all she will have to be treated (with medication). The reason there is a problem with her bone density is because she has very low estrogen levels due to the tumor. Estrogen effects calcium in the bones. Therefore, low bone density. After this appointment we headed back to the Cancer institute for blood work results. Nina’s platelets had dropped to 8 over the weekend. Nina had to have a platelet transfusion. She had a reaction during the transfusion (hives on her face). They administered benadryl (two doses), and steroids. The hives subsided. Next we headed to the neurosurgeons office to have both of her shunts adjusted. The neurosurgeon was not in to the read the MRI.Today CHOC cancer institute called me and told me they received the MRI and there is a reduction in tumor size!!!!!!!!!! I know the reading of the MRI can be subjective. So, we have an appointment scheduled for Wednesday with the neurosurgeon to have him read the MRI.

few more pics

2007-03-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

The most handsome boy in the world -Nina's brother Luke
Nina and Grams
Our Christmas tree
Nina on Superbowl Sunday
Luke

more pics

2007-03-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

Nina in her new outfit

Nina on Superbowl Sunday
Nina, Uncle Greg and Aunt Tami
Nina, Grams and Jasmine

more pics

2007-03-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

Nina and her gift basket from Grants Wishes
Mom and Nina
Nina and Stephanie
Nina and the MAC Girls
Nina and Stephanie on her first night out bowling

More pics

2007-03-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Nina and her friends before their limo ride to dinner
Nina and friends in the limo
Nina with her shopping bags
Nina and her favorite nurse Charmain at the CHOC Cancer Institute
Nina's friends at dinner

A few pictures

2007-03-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

Nina and Exhibit
Kay, Lori, Auntie, Mom and Nina on shopping spree
Grandma and Mom
Mom and Mr Shapey
Nina and friends at the movies on her Grants Wishes day

Nina's progress

2007-03-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

Nina is doing very well. She is hanging in there like the trooper that she is! She had blood work done on Friday. Every thing looked great. She had the blood work done local, so this was the first Friday since January 5th that hse did not have to go to CHOC Cancer Institute. Provided all goes well this coming week, she will do blood work local again and not have to go in to the doctors until the following Friday. What a nice break! Her memory continues to improve. Nina will have her three month MRI on March 12th. She will then go directly to the neurosurgeons office to have her shunts adjusted and review the MRI. I am most comfortable with her neurosurgeon reading the MRI (rather than the oncologist). I will be very happy if it reads "no growth". I am not sure how long it may be before we might see shrinkage of the tumor. Amber (Nina's older sister) had a MRI done due to headaches. I am happy to say it was clear. I know that this is a huge relief to Amber. She saw her sister go through so much and it scared her.

Thank you

2007-02-25T14:44:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking so much about the very special people that have become a part of my life through this very difficult time. I have been blessed in so many ways by these special people. They offer love, support and friendship. I can not imagine what this journey would be like with out them. I would also like to thank the man at Mc Donalds in Colton. I was in line at the drive through ordering my food (feeling a little blue that day). When I drove up to the first window the lady who takes your money smiled at me and asked how my day was. I smiled back and said "good. thank you". She told me that the man in the car in front of me paid for my food. I was shocked. I caught a glimpse of him in his side mirror as he drove away. What a very nice thing to do. He probably has no idea how happy he made me (and the McDonalds lady for that matter). I suppose it is small things like this that make the world and the people in it a better place. Thank you. I hope that one day, I will drive through McDonalds and look in my mirror and pay for the person behind me. With no expectations, just a kind thing to do for some one else. To my friends, new and old, my family members, and all the doctors and nurses; Thank you for being so special. I hold evry one of you very near and dear to my heart.

Grants Wishes for Nina

2007-02-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday Grants Wishes a non profit foundation granted Nina her "wish". Kay and Lori (from the foundation) met Nina, my sister Melinda and I at the Tyler mall. Nina went to Torid and a personal shopper (provided by Torid) was waiting for her. The young lady worked very hard to put together many different outfits for Nina to try on. Nina shopped and tried on so many outfits it was incredible!!!!! The women purchased every single outfit Nina liked, shoes, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, socks, headbands and sunglasses! Nina was so happy!!!!!! We all headed to Nordstroms cafe and were treated to lunch. After lunch we went to the MAC make up counter where Nina received a make over. Most of the items that were used for Nina's make over were purchased for Nina along with the make up brushes (WOW)!!!!! The girls at the MAC counter were so sweet! They even put together a goodie bag for Nina from all of the girls!!!!!! After the make over Nina came home and changed in to one of her new outfits. We headed to Orange County and met five of her girlfriends. A stretch limo (donated by Starz limo) arrived to pick all of us up and take us to Chilis for dinner (Chilis donated the entire dinner). After a wonderful dinner the limo took us to the movie theater to see Norbit (the movie theater donated all movie tickets, popcorns and $30 in gift certificates for soda and candy). Nina laughed through the entire movie. Honestly I don't think I have ever seen her as happy as she was that day in her entire life. She felt like such a princess. It was a dream come true for her. The day was perfect. I would like to thank Kay and Lori for making this such a special day. They were so nice and Nina enjoyed their company. And thank you so much to Torid, Nordstroms MAC girls, Starz Limos, Chilis, and the Theater. You all took part in making Nina's dream come true and did a fabulous job!!!!!!! Nina gets a break from chemo until March 16th!!!!! HUURRAAYYY!!!!!! She is doing well this week! No problems! Her older sister Amber is feeling better also : )

Nina's progress

2007-02-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

The last two and a half weeks have been so busy for us. A week ago Friday Nina had to have a blood transfusion after receiving her chemo. She had a reaction to the transfusion. Last Friday she had a fever and after her blood work was completed, received a very strong antibiotic (the doctor wanted to admit her in to the hospital, but Nina's tears won and she came home with me). We did however have to make a trip to the emergency room in Orange County later that night due to Nina complainging of chest pain. We were there until the wee hours of the morning and she was once again able to come home with me. Nina has been having quite a few "dizzy spells". She gets very dizzy and jittery. She also had a problem with her vision and hearing for a few minutes one day. When she has these "spells" it is to say the least, very frightening for both her and I. On the outside I seem calm to her, but on the inside, I just fall apart. It is so much responsibility to take care of some one who has so many health issues. My heart breaks when she is not doing well. The last few weeks I have been struggling with my own depression. Lots and lots of tears for me. It can be very lonely and heart wrenching, this new life I live. Nina is now on her 7th week of chemo. She is taking the oral temodar. She is doing very well with this medication. It seems to be the mildest of all the chemo she has received. She is looking forward to having no chemo for the next two weeks. It will be a nice break for her. She continues to attend high school, though much help with the work is needed from me. Soon I will contact a neuropsycholigist to gage Nina's disabilities. My goal is for the psych to help with Nina's defficits as well as give me instruction on how I might be able to help her at home. I also want proffesional help to monitor progress from the psych, and guidance on how I should continue her education. I also plan on looking into programs to involve Nina in so that she can have some kind of social life with kids her age, and possibly with kids that have brain injuries / tumors. Nina's older sister Amber has also been struggling with depression and enxiety attacks. Last week she called me crying five days in a row (this is not like her at all). She will start counseling this weekend and is now taking anti depressants and anxiety medication. It is hard to look at my two oldest daughters and see them hurt so much. I wonder what happened to my family? My heart just aches every single day. Nina receives quite a bit of extra attention on a daily basis. I now see both Amber and Jasmine (Nina's younger sister), becoming envious. I try to give all of my children that special attention they need, soem times it seems like there is not enough of me to go around. I would like to mention the very special doctors and nurses that Nina is so blessed to have. These people are so wonderful. I will be forever grateful to them. The care is incredible. Some very special people have came into our lives. Thank you to each and every one of you.

Nina's progress

2007-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

Nina is doing very well. She had her fifth chemo treatment last Friday. Only vincristine was given, so the side effects are mild. The nurses love her so much. It seems to me that her memory has been improving again lately. Nina had her first night out since she became ill in April 2006, with kids her age recently. She went bowling (although my instructions were for her not to bowl, only watch, like most 20 year old's, she ignored me and bowled any ways). She went with her older sister Amber,and friends, Mark, Stephanie, Chris, and Eric. She left home at 9:30pm and I picked her up at 1:00am. She was so happy!!!! Waiving her hand at me as I pulled up. She got in the car and bubbled over with excitement telling me all the details of her night. Nina also made spaghetti for dinner on Saturday night (she need direction from me). She was so happy. All the little steps to independence make her feel so good. She has also spent lots of time with family lately. Her Grandma is visiting. Yesterday we spent Super Bowl Sunday at her Uncle Johns. Nina had a blast!

Nina's progress

2007-01-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

Nina is tolerating chemo well. She does have a few side effects. They are very mild. She saw the neuro opthalmoligist last week. He told me the vision in her left eye is about the same. Her right eye is a little worse. Nina will be fitted for glasses in February. She also saw the urologist last week. Test's were ran to be sure her kidneys are not in danger. Every thing looked normal. Her frequesnt urination is being attributed to hypersensitive bladder. This is not surprising to me. All of Nina's senses seem hypersensitive. Her chemo next week will consist of only one medication (vincristine). All in all she is doing quite well. I am very proud of her.

Nina's progress

2007-01-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

Nina is doing pretty well with her chemo. She was a little sick to her stomach last night. Meds helped right away. She seems to be a little depressed lately. Asking me why did this happen to her. And telling me this is not fair. It rips my heart out. I can only agree with her. The rest of the family is holding up. Nina's sisters some times seem a little resentful???? Maybe Mom giving so much attention to Nina???? Her brother watches out for her like a hawk. We have a busy week with doctors nest week. I am feling very exhausted. Maybe some time soon I will get a much needed break????

A special thank you

2007-01-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

I would like to say thank you so much to Dennis Merkelbach and anonymous donor for helping with the car that is being loaned to me. There were a few problems with the car (no heater : ( , bad brakes, and needed general maintenance very badly). Dennis spent four days working on the car all over the weekend and at night after he was done working for the day. His friend who would like to remain anonymous donated a total of $600 in parts at his cost. The car now runs FABULOUS! It feels like a new car! And there is heat!!!!!! We no longer have to drive around in the freezing cold (yes, it has been freezing cold in California). I am so grateful to both of you. I can not tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done. Thank you!

Thank you

2007-01-14T20:55:00.001-08:00

I have been so busy lately it has been hard for me to keep up with some of the events that have happened. I would like to say thank you so much to a very special family, Laura Berkley, Denise, Ken and Kortni Keller, Shauna Berkley and Robert Wood, as well as there friend Charlie. This very special family has shown my family "true meaning of Christmas and giving". They were kind enough to adopt Myself, Amber, Nina, Jasmine and Luke for Christmas. We were all able to get together on December 30th and celebrate. I served breakfast to all and we opened our gifts from "our adopted family". Every one loved the gifts. We received pajamas, slippers, movies, games, clothes, jewelry, cute fuzzy animal pillows, blankets, gift certificates to Mobil gas station, Stater Brothers, Barnes and Nobles, American Express gift cards and more. It was an incredable morning and such an honor to meet every one in "our adopted family". Christmas would have been sparse this year because of my inability to work. These wonderful people gave from their heart. I am so grateful to them. Thank you!

Nina's progress

2007-01-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

Nina had her second round of chemo last Friday. She is doing remarkably well. We were at the cancer institute for 5 hours. Her blood work looked perfect. I am so proud of her! She is so positive all the time. While receiving chemo she happily ate a big cheeseburger, fries and cake : ) She did not get sick this time, and sleep has been normal. I have heard though, the more times she has chemo the harder it gets. I hope it does not get to hard for her. Please continue to pray for her.

Drugs being used for chemo

2007-01-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to include the drugs being used for Nina's chemo therapy and the schedule for any one who is interested. Week 1,2,3,4,5,and 6 iv drugs will be administered once weekly. They are: Vincristine 1.5mg this is a fast push (3 minutes start to finish). And Carboplatin 175 mg this one takes a little over an hour start to finish. Week 7 oral Temodar 200 mg for 5 days. Two week rest period of no chemo. Then the cycle will repeat itself. Length of chemo is 1 1/2 years. Chance of reduction in tumor size from this treatment is 50%-75%. Nina is sleeping alot today. She is in pretty good spirits. However she keeps asking me "why did this hapen to me Mom"? The only response I can give is "I don't know honey. I ask myself the same thing".

Nina's first chemo session

2007-01-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Nina's operation to place the port in her chest and first chemo. I have to say she is so amazing. She tolerated chemo very well. She was smiling and laughing and VERY happy when she was allowed to eat. I climbed into the hospital bed with her and hugged her while the administered the 2 chemo drugs. She was very tired and went to bed shortly after going home. She woke several times in the night because her chest hurt, she was also a little sick to her stomach this morning. The meds they gave for nausea helped right away. She also said her head felt "funny" today at one point. I pray to God that this medication is eating away at the tumor already. I felt a lot of things yesterday. Very hard day to endure. It hurts so much to watch my daughter have to suffer. I was very sad. It reminded me of the feeling I had when Nina first became ill. Felt like some one was ripping my heart out. Then VERY angry, I was also happy and grateful. My emotions were running rapid and SO intense. It was a roller coaster of feelings and thoughts. The chemo was done at CHOC. I am very glad for that. It seems that in the medical world children are catered to more so than adults. All of her chemo will be at CHOC or the children's cancer institute in OC. I have to speak of the other children / families I saw. AMAZING. Nina's roommate was the most beautiful young lady you could imagine. Her name is Laura, she is 20 years old. She has leukemia. It was in remission and came back. Her chemo drugs come all the way from France (not FDA approved here, but her dr fought for her and got insurance to approve and pay for them. The reason I mention this is I made a mental note and others may want to as well). She is waiting for bone marrow transplant. This young lady smiled and talked to us. She has no hair, but honestly, she is so beautiful. Inside and out. We met Clark he looks about 13. He has no hair. He was smiling each time I saw him. I saw babies and toddlers. All with no hair. I have to say, each one of these children were beautiful to me. So much laughter from them all. For every child I smiled at, two more people smiled at mine. I am blown away by these "very special little warriors" including my own daughter. People with healthy children will never know the pain this disease can cause. They will also never know the beautiful lessons in life this disease can teach you. Although I would never wish this upon any one. My "little warrior princess" is going to beat this. And I will be there every step of the way to help her.

January brings a new home for us

2007-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we moved to my oldest daughter Amber's apartment. It is very small, cute and cozy. Amber needed a roommate, so Nina and I stepped in. I feel it is equally important to be a Mother to Amber also. Things will be very tight financially for us. But I felt this was the right thing for me to do. Nina is so happy about the move. Busy, very busy. Nina's chemo and surgery will start on Friday. Very nervous. Some times I can't help but ask myself why did this happen to my daughter????? It seems so unfair to me.

Mary Kay helping Nina

2007-01-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

Mary Kay cosmetics are being offered on Nina's site by two very gracious woman. 40% of the proceeds in the month of January 2007 will be donated to Nina. Please be sure to visit Nina's site!!!!! Should you decide to order, please be sure and note Nina's name!!!!!

A moment of reflection

2006-12-30T13:52:00.000-08:00

I want to share with all that follow Nina's progress how very grateful I am to all of the people who have helped us in any way. My heart is touched so deeply by the kindness that we have been shown. Through Nina's illness I have grown so much as a Mother and person. I see life so differently now. What I feel in my heart is so deep. I can not begin to describe it. Thank you all for being who you are.

Nina's photo album

2006-12-21T15:07:00.001-08:00

Please be sure to view Nina's photo album!!!! Filled with many special people!!!!

Nina's progress date for chemo

2006-12-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

On January 5, 2007 Nina will check in to the hospital and have the surgery to have the port placed in her chest (the port is used to access a main vain for blood work and chemo). She will then be transferred to another floor and begin her first chemo treatment. We have waited what seems to me an eternity for this day. I am very nervous. With all my heart, I wish it were me and not her. Because of her short term memory loss she does not think about this unless I say some thing to her about it. I suppose the fact that she can not remember is a blessing in disguise at times. She is still attending school, her teacher Patty has been fabulous working with us to find work appropriate for Nina. Some of these assignment's include: keeping a journal, checklists for daily grooming and simple chores and cooking simple meals. Nina is still in good spirits. Christmas is just around the corner and she is excited about that. I would like to wish all who visit the site a very happy and safe holiday season. And again, thank you to the many donors, friends and family who have supported us in any way. You all have touched my heart.

A special thank you

2006-12-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

I would again like to give a very special thank you to Michael Abbasfard for being so kind and generous by allowing Nina and I to use his vehicle temporarily. He is such a tremendous person who has been there for me thick and thin for many years. Thank you Michael.

Nina's progress

2006-12-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

Nina saw a urologist and ob/gyn last week. The urologist will be performing several test's to be sure that Nina's kidneys are functioning properly this month. The ob/gyn will also perform several tests to be sure that Nina is not at a huge risk for uterine cancer. All in all the appointments went very well. Nina is still in school. She is really struggling with completing the math assignments. We volunteer weekly at the Ronald McDonald House. Her spirits still remain high. She seems very bored though. I think she misses all of her friends and the life and independence she used to have. Please continue to pray for her.

Nina's progress

2006-11-21T22:56:00.001-08:00

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

2006-11-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-10T23:15:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-08T21:33:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

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 : )

Final recommendation for treatment

2006-10-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

On October 17, 2006 Nina saw the neurosurgeon who performed all of her surgeries. He contacted the professor in Minnesota for a final recommendation. We are happy to say we will not be traveling to Minnesota for treatment. The professor stated the following: "Surgery on this tumor would be devastating". The treatment will be chemo therapy (which can be done at home) for 12 months. If the tumor responds well and reduces in size, chemo will be followed by fractionated stereotactic therapy for 180 days. Nina will see a pediatric oncoligist on Ocober 20, 2006. The tumor will be treated as a pediatric tumor because it developed some time under the age of 18. Please continue praying for Nina. She still has a very long road to travel.

Thanks to All of You

2006-10-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to every doctor, nurse and hospital personnel that helped care for Nina. She would not be here if it were not for all of you. I hope that this post finds it’s way to some of those who cared for her. Thank you to my family for giving Nina and I so much support through the toughest time in our lives. And thank you to other patient's families I met during Nina’s hospital stay that shared thier own stories of hope and inspiration. You touched my heart and gave me hope.