Off the Hook

Whew! It's been a long day waiting for news on Quinton's treatment plan. The tumor meeting was early this morning, but communication woes abounded, and we didn't get any info till about 5 p.m. I'm pretty tired!!

Apparently, all the doctors on the tumor board felt like it was best to wait and re-scan in 3 months. I guess we're off the hook -- at least until Christmas time or so! Some doctors expressed the feeling that the growth was so minimal that it could almost be read as a mistake. I'm pretty surprised. Dr. Riva-Cambrin was pretty sure that the plan would include treatment, but maybe he was jumping the gun a little. Maybe just knowing Q personally he was a little smoke-screened by how cute he is! Ha ha!!

We're pretty happy and relieved for the moment. Normal life will proceed for another length of time! We again express gratitude for all the kindnesses and support sent our way!

The next step in the road to recovery

Hi!

Thank you for all your love and support! You've all been so concerned and supportive. We have some new news in Quinton's recovery. On Tuesday, he had an MRI -- his regular 3-month check. Jeff took him to this appointment, so I didn't have to take a day off work. I had been feeling pretty positive about Quinton's case, and I had blocked out the thought of the two little pieces of tumor that had to be left in.

On Wednesday, we met with Dr. Riva-Cambrin to review the results of the films. We got into the office right away, but we waited quite a while before some interns came in. They did some routine strength tests and asked a few questions. They said Dr. Riva-Cambrin would come into see us soon, but he was reviewing the films with a radiologist. Jeff said he knew then that something wasn't good.

The doctor came in and showed us the films. He said that the two little bits of tumor, the pieces he had to leave in the spinal chord because of the fear of paralyzation, had grown. It was a small growth, only a couple of millimeters, but some growth had occurred. He said that usually with tumors he often recommends doing another scan in a month or so, but in Quinton's case he felt it would be best to attack while the bits are small. He said that radiation or chemotherapy would be necessary.

Dr. Riva-Cambrin is going to a meeting on Tuesday morning where doctors from other fields meet to discuss tumors. He will get some input from that team on the best course for Quinton's case and call us on Tuesday. He said he was leaning towards a gentle chemo (how gentle is gentle??). Radiation could possibly weaken the bones in his spine and make his curve worse.

I was pretty shocked; however, it makes sense. We knew there were little bits left in there, but by comparison to the whole tumor, they were tiny.

Anyway, I will post again on Tuesday, but it looks like our road to recovery is lengthened a bit! It's like thinking you're almost to grandma's house when you're actually another hour or two away! Ha ha!

Update

Hello! I've had a few requests to provide a quick update on Quinton and the family and how we are doing.

Quinton is back in school, and he's doing great. He is walking really well, they've kicked him out of Physical Therapy, and he's even mowing the lawn (he charges quite a bit for this service though:0) He makes it through the day without getting too tired, and he gets along really well. He does enjoy coming home and mostly taking it easy, which is good for him.

His spine curvature has been changing since the surgery. Where before the operation, his spine was curved to the right, now there is more curving to the front. This type of curve is called kyphosis, and isn't as treatable with a brace. He may or may not need further treatment for this spine curve in the future. He also has had trouble gaining weight (Ha! I wish that was my problem!). He left the hospital at 65 pounds, and he weighs 64 pounds today. Tiny little guy!

In other Quinton news, we're starting his science project on which exterior coating provides the most insulation! Ha! I wonder if it will be stucco?

I'm also back in double-duty school, teaching at Juab and taking master's classes at UVU (I graduate in April!!) This school year is going well, and I'm really liking it!

Jacey began pre-school this year, and she loves it. She has to give me a hassle about getting ready because she never wants to go, but she likes it when she gets there. That's just Jacey for us!

Kira got baptized over Labor Day Weekend, and it was a great day. She looked DARLING and was just a sweet girl. She is loving her class at school, and she is doing great. For a while, Quinton's illness seemed to impact her the most. She went through a funk where she cried a lot and had some emotional issues, but she is doing much better now.

Jeff is traveling quite a bit this fall for work, so we miss him when he goes off all over the West! We have been so blessed and recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives. We know that Quinton's story is miraculous, and we want to recognize the blessings he has been given. We don't know all the reasons the Lord had for this trial in our lives, but we know we have been blessed!