Tuesday, December 23, 2014

1 year ago today and a new birthday ....

The picture is painful to view, and brings back a flood of bad memories. However, the picture also shows a Fierce Fighter, and tells a story of pain, struggle, strength, determination, and love. Exactly 1 year ago today, Delaney received her first autologous bone marrow transplant. On this day Delaney received her own stem cells back that were taken from her by a apheresis machine, and preserved. After each bone marrow transplant those very stem cells were given back to Delaney, to "rescue" herself, earning another birthday. The chemotherapy she received was too much for the body of a child. And with the tradition of a bone marrow transplant, Mommy and Daddy softly sang happy birthday to Delaney while she lay in the hospital bed. Delaney has come so far in just one year, and again the most recent picture speaks for it's self. We are thankful beyond words. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always...... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!
Happy Birthday Delaney, we love you.

"And though she be but LITTLE, she is FIERCE!"

Monday, December 15, 2014

Delaney Continues To Amaze Us........

The appointments continued into this week at Oakland Kaiser and UCSF. Mommy and Daddy were able to go over the MRI images in person with Delaney's neuro-oncologist at Oakland Kaiser, along with the next steps and or phases of Delaney's recovery. Delaney will have another MRI scan in 3 months, the beginning of March to be exact, this will be a milestone because after that scan, Delaney's MRI scans will move out to once every 4 months for a year, instead of every 3 months. Furthermore she will meet with a multi disciplinary team of doctors annually to follow her in her recovery. This is to track any adverse effects to Delaney's body from the chemotherapy and radiation, then to manage those side effects. The appointment went very well, Delaney continues to move forward in recovery, in a positive direction. On to UCSF. At UCSF it was reiterated to Mommy and Daddy that Delaney still has a suppressed immune system and it is sensitive. Although her blood counts and blood chemistry have begun to stabilize it will take more time before they reach a normal level, that being of a child that has not received chemotherapy or radiation. During the appointment there was a diamond in the rough to be had, we are so thankful of certain things, in a horrible situation. That being Delaney's hearing. She has normal hearing and the bone marrow transplant doctor continued to explain that in all of his time, and the high dose of Carboplatin (a chemotherapy drug) Delaney has received, he has never seen a child keep all of their hearing. Most all have a significant loss or decrease in hearing. He said it was simply amazing. Furthermore they have released Delaney to receive "dead" vaccinations once again. And today Delany received 6 separate vaccination shots, another step in the road to recovery. We as a family are so thankful for the new health of Delaney and our family. Also the amazing news on Delaney's MRI and prognosis, an early Christmas gift for Mommy and Daddy that cannot be put into words. Lastly, Thank you. Thanks to each and everyone of you, who continue to follow and support Delaney. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always ...... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!!!

"And though she be but LITTLE, she is FIERCE!"

Friday, December 5, 2014

MRI is clear!!!!!

We are very blessed. It has been a very stressful week for the family. Thank you for all the prayers, love and, support. As always..... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Delaney is set to have yet another MRI this Thursday, December 4, at 8am.

It will have already been 3 months from her last MRI. That being said, the almost uncontrollable wave of emotions, stress, anticipation, and anxiety, are real and weighing heavy on our minds. Just the thought of entering the hospital with Delaney is hard enough. However, we will always remain optimistic, positive, and steadfast. We follow Delaney's lead as usual, with a fierce glimmer in her eyes and a big smile on her face, that is all we need to see. Delaney continues to improve in all areas of her daily challenges, well enough, we have begun potty training once again, picking up where we left off 14 months ago. As we all continue to recover emotionally and physically, our house feels more alive and happy again, and just from the simple joy of seeing our children being able to play with one another and have a childhood. With much love, we thank you all for the continued prayers, love and support. As always..... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!

"And though she be but LITTLE, she is FIERCE!"