Gift from above

Mike’s FaceBook post today read “Dad, I 've missed you every day these past two years, and has it ever been a long two years. We received some good news about Lisa today. Thank you. I'm sure you had a hand in that. Keep up the good work! We're going out to celebrate!”

Hard to believe it has been two years since we finalized our forever family, Bernie passed away and Lisa was diagnosed with cancer. Today, though we received some good news….Lisa’s scans came back and there has been a decrease in the amount of cancer showing on scans.

It really is outstanding news and her doctors are very pleased with her progress. As most of you know her type of cancer…neuroblastoma…is quite the beast . While kids normally have a small period of remission (Lisa had hers last summer), once they relapse there really is no cure. The goal becomes to find a treatment regimen that keeps the cancer from spreading, have no new growth show up on scans and buy as much time as possible. Lisa’s scans showed NO growth AND a DECREASE in disease in a few areas. Mike and I are very happy. Our hope was that Lisa would remain stable, the fact that she has a decrease is truly a gift from above.

I’m under the impression that Lisa is one of the few who have responded so favorably to the chemo treatments… It does not mean she is cured, nor may she ever be, but it does mean we probably have tacked a few more months onto her life. The MIBG therapy that is coming up at end of month will hopefully have more positive results and help beat this bastard of a disease back a bit more and buy even more time. Lisa truly is proving to be a warrior. Her ability to keep on going and be so happy reminds me how lucky I am, how precious each and every day I have on this earth is and that I should never take a day for granted. Oh to live life like a five year old is to really appreciate every moment.

Thank you so much for all the prayers….keep them coming…it is truly a miracle that will cure Lisa.

PS…Prayers for Sharon (Mike’s sister) are working. She is recovering from surgery done to remove an obstruction in her small intestine and we are hoping that is the last of her troubles and that she has a quick recovery.

Prayers for both Maranda and Lisa continue as we get prepared for both girls to enter the hospital at the end of the month. Both will be staying at Motts for a minimum of three days, more likely five days with a 2-4 week recovery at home. We’ll keep you posted and would love visitors at the hospital to help us keep each girl company! More details to come.