Keeping busy with some good news and fun times......

After a busy last week, Delaney is enjoying herself and time with the family. Delaney had an eye appointment and an echocardiogram for her heat. As for her eye appointment, it went very well. Delaney has been able to maintain full and equal vision in both eyes. A huge relief and much to be thankful for. There is now serious talk and communication between Delaney's neurosurgery team and neuro oncologist of a possible eye operation this May to straighten and correct her eye. Due to the inward eye drift or strabismus, she constantly sees double vision. Furthermore she continues to fight off styes, in both eyes, and is now on oral medication 2x per day and topical medication 3x per day. This is in hopes to clear up the styes within 5 weeks so she can proceed with the eye operation. If the styes are present, there cannot be an operation. Now on to the echocardiogram. This is the fourth echocardiogram Delaney has had, but the first one with out her Broviac or central line in place. Before it was recently removed it was hard to get a full, clear, unobstructed view of the function of her heart. With all of the chemotherapy she had received via the Broviac, it was delivered directly to her heart and dispersed throughout her body. After 1 year post treatment of chemotherapy Mommy and Daddy received a call from the Pediatric Cardiologist who read the results of her echocardiogram. It was wonderful news, news that her heart is functioning normal, with no side effects. Again we could not be more thankful and blessed. Lastly Delaney's full brain and spine MRI is set for March 10th, at 8am. But as that day full of stress and anxiety closes in, Delaney is filling her days with smiles, silly antics around the house, small outings, and having fun modeling her new clothes, shoes, and socks. Helping Mommy and Daddy hide the ugly ball of emotions that at times overwhelm them. We thank each one of you who have, and continue to support Delaney in her story and in her road to full recovery. Thank you. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always....... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!!

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

1 year ago today and how she has come so far.....

As we head to Delaney's appointments this week, today will be exactly 1 year ago, Delaney received her third and last autologous bone marrow transplant. That was the completion of her 6 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy. Upon completion Delaney was able to ring a bell three times loud, sounding the completion of her chemotherapy and the closing of another chapter. Above is a picture from one year ago and one from today. We are blessed to be where we are today. On this day, Delaney, for the third time, received her own stem cells back that were taken from her by a apheresis machine, and preserved. After each round of aggressive chemotherapy at UCSF. The bone marrow transplant took place, using those very stem cells to give back to Delaney, to "rescue" herself, earning another birthday. The chemotherapy she received was too much for Delaney's little body to recover from. And yet again Mommy and Daddy continued with the tradition of a bone marrow transplant, singing happy birthday to Delaney, but this time with a small, small, sense of relief that mommy and daddy will not have to witness Delaney go through the pain, sickness, and destruction of chemotherapy. As many of you know Delaney is still immunosuppressed, a year later from the chemotherapy she received. Little Miss Fierce is very happy and playful with her brothers and is getting stronger. 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!"

Pressing On....

Things have been progressing well for Delaney, but that does not go without saying she stills has many challenges and new things to manage. Delaney was finally able to shake the cold she had. We are thankful it was just a cold and did not turn into anything worse, our fear being that she is still immunosuppressed. Delaney had her first dentist appointment after the completion of her treatment, and we did not know what to expect. Delaney did well at her appointment, however as a result of the aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment, at a the age of 3 1/2 Delaney has the start of 3 to 4 cavities. For a period of 6 months Delaney was not able to brush her teeth because she was neutropenic, and had to use toothettes. A sponge like toothbrush that would not cause cuts or abrasions, as a toothbrush would, exposing her to bacteria. This was something we were aware of, and now must manage. However, we put it in perspective, they are just cavities, just another thing to watch. Her dentist appointments will be every 3 months, to track and monitor the cavities in the hopes they do not get worse. Next week will be a busy one for Delaney. She will have a follow up appointment with her eye doctor for her esotropia. Her eye muscles were damaged from the tumor, causing the eye to drift inward and a surgery or surgeries will be needed to correct her eye. That could possibly this year. She will also have an echocardiogram to check on all functions of her heart, again because of the chemotherapy she received. Delaney has been receiving physical therapy once a week and will now begin occupational therapy, to name a few, she will to begin work on her fine motor skills, dressing herself, buttoning clothes, and working out small tremors in her hands, which may be due to the double vision she sees because of her esotropia. Delaney will also have another MRI of her full brain and spine in the beginning of March, we are still waiting on a date. The stress and anxiety are slowly mounting. But more importantly, all in all, things are still progressing in a positive direction. Which we are truly blessed for. Honestly. Delaney fills the rest of her days with laughter, love, and smiles. Playing with her brothers, family, and crafting. Delaney loves being an older sister watching out for and caring for her little 9 month old brother Valen. She also made it out to a Monster Truck Jam. And she sure did love it! Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always....... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!!!!

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

Another milestone reached.....

Exactly 1 year ago today, Delaney received her second autologous bone marrow transplant. Above is a picture from a year ago and one from today. The pictures speak for themselves and we are blessed to where we are today from a year ago. On this day, Delaney, for the second time, received her own stem cells back that were taken from her by a apheresis machine, and preserved. After each round of aggressive chemotherapy at UCSF, the bone marrow transplant would take place, using those very stem cells to give back to Delaney, to "rescue" herself, and earning another birthday. The chemotherapy she received was too much for Delaney's little body to recover from. Yet again Mommy and Daddy continued with the tradition of a bone marrow transplant, singing happy birthday to Delaney with tears in their eyes while she lay sleeping in her hospital bed. As many of you know Delaney is still immunosuppressed, that being said Delaney has been fiercely fighting off a cold for about a week now. She is trying to shake it off, but being immunosuppressed makes it just that much more difficult. She is very happy and playful with her brothers and is getting better slowly. 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!"

Disney Dollars for Delaney..

Delaney is starting off the new year happy, healthier and strong. Delaney continues to smile big and bright, all the while, doing the best she can to make up for lost time in her childhood and overcome her daily challenges. Early last year, Granada High School started "Disney Dollars for Delaney". A collection of funds to help send Delaney to Disneyland. This fund was started by the students, faculty, staff, and community because one of the first things Delaney was able to verbalize, 2 weeks after her brain operation (because the operation took away her ability to talk) was that she wanted to go to Disneyland. That being said, because of the big hearts and efforts of the students, faculty, staff and community of Granada High School, Delaney was able to go to Disneyland last week. Delaney enjoyed every minute she was there! Laughing, smiling, and creating new, powerful, lasting memories with the family. On the happiest place on earth, of course. Thank you, to all who helped make that possible for Delaney and the family. There were many highlights from the trip, but one was very emotional for mommy and daddy. As Mommy and Daddy continue to work very hard with Delaney on every meal, on the way back from Disneyland we stopped at In-N-Out Burger. We knew it would be a long shot to try and get her to eat, but we tried anyway. At first Delaney was adamant that she did not want any food, and then at the last second she asked for a grilled cheese sandwich, and of course we followed up, asking her if she would like a milkshake also. And she said yes. The food came and the real challenge was in front of her. First she tried the milkshake, she smiled big, then followed by a nibble on the grilled cheese, and then another and another. Then back to the milkshake. The smile she had on her face was so beautiful, and she kept repeating "I like this sandwich!", "I like this sandwich!" We savored those moments, simply watching her eat the grilled cheese, burned into our memory forever. When she was done she ate nearly the entire grilled cheese and all but a few sips of her milkshake, by far this was the most food she consumed in one sitting. It was a good time for Delaney and the family to heal, get some "normalcy" back, and enjoy being together. Little Miss Fierce, keeps working hard every minute of everyday. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always..... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!!

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

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!"

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!"

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!!!

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!"

Smiles, smiles, smiles.

It has been a very, very, long, exhausting, emotional, and difficult year. Yet it remains a year that cannot be put into words. However, there were, and still are, two constants. Those two constants have been ever so profound in Delaney's character and those are her fierceness and most importantly her ability to smile in the most horrible of circumstances. As many of you have seen and probably agree with. Each day, she smiles brighter and bigger, reminding us, as a family, to seek out the positives in any circumstances, because the negativity can bring you down. It is interesting how much we can learn form a 3 year old child. There are two other little victories that Delaney has had since her last post, pertaining to her vision and hearing, where she had a 6 month post treatment follow up for both. Even though she has strabismus in her left eye, caused from the pressure of the tumor, Delaney has 20/20 vision. This is not always the case. And Delaney's hearing remains unaffected from the aggressive amounts of chemotherapy and radiation. Furthermore, Delaney is physically getting stronger, walking and playing. As for her eating, it is still a daily challenge, but the aversion to eating is losing its grip, as Delaney fiercely pushes forward. December 4th marks yet another day for another MRI. 3 months will have passed already since her last MRI. We thank each of you for continuing to walk with Delaney and our family through this journey. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always ..... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!

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

Delaney is doing wonderful.

No matter what challenges Delaney faces daily, she continues to make progress in all areas of her young life. Yesterday, Delaney had a doctors appointment with her pediatrician, for a thorough exam and to receive her 2nd flu shot. Thankfully her T-Cells are functioning well enough for her to receive her 1st flu shot 30 days ago, and the 2nd yesterday. Delaney's immune system is very fragile and must be treated as though she is a newborn. Delaney's weight is on track and has leveled at around 30 1/2 lbs. range, she is in the 50th percentile for her weight. She in trying more foods and had 1/2 of a hot dog the other day, a big step for her. As for Delaney's motor skills, she, for the most part is walking unassisted through out the house, playing with her brothers, but Mommy and Daddy can see the pride beaming from her face when she gets things out of the refrigerator, or throws trash away, it is the independence she feels, having been dependent for so long. Delaney is making brief trips out of the house, going to the pumpkin patch, walking downtown, and visiting Daddy at work. Most importantly we are able to spend time as a family, doing little things together. We can not be thankful enough for everyone's support, that being said, thank you, for all of the continued support, love, and prayers for our daughter Delaney, they are truly appreciated. As always..... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!

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

Wishes Really Do Come True!!!!!

The greatest wish we can ever want is Delaney's health and happiness and we continue to see her wish grow everyday.

Things continue to move in a positive direction for Delaney, all the while she works hard each and everyday, not letting the set backs or challenges get the best of her or us. Delaney is getting stronger, happier, and healthier everyday. We are all so thankful, and blessed to see how far she has come. It makes Mommy and Daddy's hearts so happy to see her enjoying life, as she should, as a child without a care in the world, and not being sick. The mental scars and healing continue, and this was apparent while Delaney was on her Make A Wish trip to Disneyland. As we pulled into the cement parking structure at Disneyland, immediately and without hesitation Delaney said "We are at Doctors?" Which we replied "No baby girl, we are at Disneyland!" This was because the parking structure reminded her of where she received radiation for, for 28 days. This conversation of reassurance continued for a couple of minutes, but there was no convincing Delaney. It was hard and sad for Mommy and Daddy to hear Delaney say that. However, we as a family are beginning and tying our best to push out the horrible, bad memories, and replace them with new, happy, joyful memories. It will take time but we will get there.

Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always.... GO TEAM DELANEY!!

"And though she be but LITTLE she is FIERCE!

Another Milestone.....

Yesterday was the mark of yet another milestone. Delaney's home health nurse came by for the last time yesterday, for a health evaluation and weight check on Delaney. It felt like this day would never come. Delaney has received care from the same nurse for nearly one year, every single week and at times, up to 3 times per week. She was there to answer calls at all hours of the day or night, (even at 11pm when Delaney threw up her feeding tube, that she needed for medication and formula). She was there to provide detailed loving nursing care, clarity in confusion, and simply said, she does a job that is a difficult one, to say the least, and one that can only be done by a few. It is not goodbye, just the start of a new chapter. Thank you Rosie. For your care for Delaney, we love you. Little Miss Fierce 's weight is up again another 1.5 oz, a total weight increase of 3oz in a little over a week. She now weighs 30lbs. 12oz. We are very proud of Delaney and her hard work to eat food again. Next, because of the possible side effects from the brain operation, chemotherapy, and radiation Mommy and Daddy set up an evaluation with the Livermore School District for Delaney. This evaluation is a proactive approach to make sure Delaney is on track or remains age appropriate for schooling, and if necessary, to find out what early education resources are available to her. The evaluation was performed by a team from the school district, specializing in many different areas of cognitive development. Upon leaving we were happy and thankful to hear that things seem on track, except for the obvious physical setbacks. We will meet with the team again at the end of the month to go over their findings in detail. Delaney is doing great, she is very happy playing with her brothers, and gaining more of her childhood back each day. She has come so far and in a horrible situation Mommy and Daddy are so very thankful for the outcome all the positive progress she is making. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always.... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!

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

It has been been a solid 2 weeks since Mommy and Daddy have been able to do a complete and thorough update on Delaney. First off Mommy and Daddy are thrilled to say that Delaney is happy, laughing, full of love and over all, is doing great! A full 8 weeks have passed since Delaney's feeding tube was removed, (after being placed for a year) and now is starting to become a bad memory for all of us. Delaney's last weight check was on Friday, September 26th. She weighs 30lbs. 9oz. Up 3oz from her lowest weight (30lbs. 6oz.). We are optimistic, hoping, and praying that her weight has stabilized and will now finally begin trending upward, gaining weight. She will be weighed again on Friday. This last week Delaney has reached 1000 calories per day, her primary source of nutrition remains puréed foods, milk, and a few solid foods. Physically, Delaney is making progress after she lost the ability to walk over a year ago, Mommy and Daddy are able to watch Delaney walk small distances through out the house unassisted, such a beautiful thing to watch. As a family we try to regain or adapt to our "new normal" but there are many challenges still faced each day due to Delaney's brain operation, chemotherapy and radiation. As hard and challenging as the days are, we are blessed and thankful for Delaney's prognosis, progress, and the ability to regain her physical abilities and health. It is what she gave up during treatment, in order to become healthy again. We as a family are grateful to each and every one of you, beyond words, for the support and love you have given Delaney. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always ..... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!

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