Emery says Happy Friday, Everyone!

Dr. Thompson and Dr. Javi came in to have a talk about the long term plan. They showed us the radiologist's report, which did say that the tumor is a bit smaller and the space between the tumor and the spinal cord is a bit bigger. Even though we hoped for more, we are still very much encouraged and Dr. Thompson kept reiterating that all of the news we have is good news. He also went into some detail about the genetics of the tumor itself (each tumor has its own genetic makeup). Although it's a bit technical and confusing, the bottom line is that the genetics of Emery's tumor make it more treatable, not less, which is also very good news.

Emery will be discharged today and all three will move in with their friends, Dan and Lauren, till next Wednesday, the 27th. Emery will not have to come back to the hospital for any interim treatment or monitoring so they will get to have a relaxing time with their friends and concentrate on being a family for a few days. On the 27th, they will bring Emery back in through the clinic and we think she will be readmitted for for just ONE day of chemo. There is also the possibility that she could be treated on an outpatient basis, but because she is such a "peanut," as Dr. Thompson calls her, he thinks they will probably put her in the hospital. We will all feel more comfortable if they admit her, too.

After that, Emery will need to be monitored for awhile to make sure she's okay and that the chemo is having the desired effects on the tumor. We will probably get to leave the hospital but will need to stay in Houston for anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks following the end of chemo. We were glad to get a definitive timeframe because we've been operating on one day at a time for the longest and it was hard to make any plans. At least this way we have some idea of what will be needed for Emery to have the best possible outcome. David will need to head back to work at some point so I will stay with Bonnie and Emery for any time that he can't be here.

In other big news today, you know that we have been concerned about Emery's feeding and weight. She has definitely been eating better for the last couple of days. She was just weighed and the whole room burst into spontaneous applause when we heard that her new weight is 3.91 kg! I'm not the best on measurement conversions, but Bonnie says that is about 8 lbs, 4 1/2 oz! Yippee! We are all very excited that she is gaining weight!! Bonnie deserves a huge pat on the back for nursing and pumping like a maniac. She has been so dedicated to making sure that Emery has had good nutrition and every opportunity to eat and grow.

Emery received some more blood this morning to get her up to maximum benefit before she checks out. She's been happy and smiling and so much more like her sweet little self for the past couple of days. We are all thrilled.

I am making a quick trip to Dallas/Abilene to see Sarah, Susan and families and my friends while Bonnie, David and Emery are in Katy. They assure me they will be fine for a few days so I suppose I can give them a break from Gigi. :)

As always, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers for our sweet girl. Have a good Friday and a good weekend!