2 days left...not that we are counting!

2 days left! It’s been 56 days since Sophie was diagnosed. 56 days since our lives took an unexpected turn. Actually, we have spent 40 full days receiving some form of medical treatment at either St. Jude or in Cleveland. I’m currently reading “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. In the book, he says The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant period of time; “Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days...” This has definitely been a spiritual time for all of us.

The last few days have been especially busy. Emily’s parents left on Friday and we now fully recognize just how much they helped. They were amazing. The apartment was always clean. The fridge was always stocked. The laundry was always done. Meals were always prepared. Most importantly, Sophie loved playing with Grandma and Grandpa! Thanks Mom and Dad for all you have done and all that you continue to do.

St. Jude has been amazing. What an incredible place. I am convinced that Sophie has received the absolute best care in the country. Sophie’s treatment would have been the same had we stayed in Cleveland (31 days of radiation), but how the treatment was administered and the environment is what really separates St. Jude. Sophie told us at dinner tonight that she “likes St. Jude” and proceeded to talk about all the different doctors and nurses. She is no longer anxious and actually looks forward to her “sleepy medicine.” We are grateful for our time and treatment here at St. Jude, but we are excited to go home!

We found out today that we will be back in Memphis on May 3rd for our 1st post treatment MRI. It should be a quick trip. We’ll come in the night before and leave following treatment the next day. We are more than just a little nervous. The doctor continues to tell us that the tumor may still appear “angry” and that we should not be disappointed if the tumor is unchanged or even slightly larger. He went on to say that it typically takes 8 -12 weeks post radiation to get a good snapshot.

Sophie improves more each day. Her improved strength and stamina is what really amazes me. Yesterday, we walked along the river (3.5 mile walk), and Sophie walked at least a ½ mile! Her personality is back and she is sleeping through the night again. The only area where we have not seen much improvement is the weakness on the right side of her body. Her walk is still affected and, unless prompted, she will not use her right arm or hand. We pray that the radiation will continue to work and that eventually that symptom will improve also.

I’m sure Emily will post an update once we are back in Avon Lake and we will continue to use this site to keep everyone informed about Sophie’s miracle. I just want to thank all of you for the support and prayers over the last 56 days. That support and all those prayers helped us survive. THANKS!