Thank you for taking time to follow Meaghan's journey of healing as she battles Medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

Meaghan, our five year old daughter, was diagnosed early November 2009 after an MRI revealed she had a 4 cm solid tumor in her cerebellum. The tumor resection, while successful, resulted in serious complications.

Cancer is a family affair and here I try to chronicle not only Meg's journey, but our whole family's as well.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Meeting with Oncology

We finished our first of many meetings with oncology. Medulloblastoma has been confirmed.

I thought I was prepared. Even though it was an overview, my head is swimming with information: 70% - 80% success rate, risks of radiation: neurological and cognitive impairment; hearing loss; dysfunction of speech pattern, critical to start radiation within 31 days of surgery, a year of treatment, spinal tap need on Wednesday, full MRI needed within three weeks...

We can't even get her to eat enough! We might have to go back to the ng tube. They called in speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy... Our vibrant, willful, stubbornly shy five year old has been reduced to wet noodle. It's like having a newborn again. What must she be going through? What is her future? What will be her quality of life?

Ed is resolute, determined. I thought my daily sacrifices as a mother were taxing. I am not prepared, but who is ever prepared to have a life-threatening illness park itself in the middle of your life?
Posted by Praying For Meaghan at 12:44 PM

8 comments:

  1. MKNovember 16, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    Ame-

    I have been catching word through your posts and sending love through the grapevine- I hope you've recieved them. I know it must feel like the beginning of a very long road, but it is also the first steps back to normalcy. You are one of the brightest and strongest people I know, and if anyone can get through this with His grace it is you.

    I cannot say enough how much I love you and all the fam. If you need anything- even if it means coming home and taking Maddy out for a bit- I'll be there.

    Love, Love, Love!!
    -Mare

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  2. AnonymousNovember 16, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    Amy,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I know the news today must be overwhelming but it looks like there are a lot of resources to help Meaghan. We love and care about all of you very much. (I am posting under Leah's account so if you see her name it's me.)
    Terri

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  3. CrystalNovember 16, 2009 at 3:49 PM

    I'm sorry I don't know what to say to help ease the pain or burden you're now facing. I will however let you know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers...
    Looks like you've got a whole array of help for Meaghan.
    The road ahead of your family will be tough, if you need anything -day or night- our door is always open.
    May the Lord's blessings be with you and your family now and always.

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  4. LizaNovember 16, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    Amy -

    Everything I can think of to say just sounds trite and platitudinal, but they are no less true: Hang in there, take things one day at a time, "normal" and "fine" are relative, and there are a lot people who love and support you and your family.

    I am glad you are blogging, not just to keep us all informed, but as a way to process this situation and to hopefully serve as a marker of how far Meaghan will have come a day from now, a week from now, a year (and more) from now.

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  5. TinaNovember 16, 2009 at 5:01 PM

    Moleskis, PLease know that you continue to be in my prayers. Don't quit talking to God, even if it is just to tell Him how mad you are at Him.

    My sister-in-law has an Elmo blanket that she would like to give to Meaghan. Are you open to that?

    Tina

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  6. Ann MacLeodNovember 16, 2009 at 6:53 PM

    Amy,
    all of you have been in my constant thoughts and prayers. I wish there was something more I could do or say to make this easier and rid Meaghan of this horrible illness.

    Your support system stretches farther than you could imagine! I have a package for you and Ed that a friend gave me. I will try to find a way to get it to you. Your friends love you and care about you and will help the entire Moleski family through this.

    Hugs,
    Ann

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  7. ~Michele~November 17, 2009 at 2:13 PM

    Amy,

    I know if you need me for anything, you will call....but I could not help giving you this little bit of (hopefully) comfort. I was told prior to Amber starting treatment that it will seem to take forever with the additional test and results to follow. They were right! But I was also told that when the treatments do begin, time will begin to move faster. They were right there again.

    I took that information and tried to dwell on it whenever I began to loose my sanity. Focus forward whenever you can and as often as you can. And when you are ready, please let me know....I have resources for you and your family to help during this difficult time.

    May God look upon you with His favor and grant you peace.

    All my love with big hugs to you and yours,
    Michele

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  8. UnknownNovember 17, 2009 at 9:19 PM

    Hello Amy,

    I am completely shocked about what has happened to Meaghan. My heart truly goes out to you, and your entire family. It is hard to know what to say in times like these.

    The only words that I was looking for the last time Sarah was ill, is what the doctor's had to offer, and prayers. One thing that I know you and your family need are love and support. Please know that you can truly call me anytime you need help.

    I cannot express how much my heart goes out to you Ed and the kids,

    All my love and prayers,
    Denise

    ReplyDelete

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