Max Update! Feb 24, 2004

Feb24th

Wanted to send a quick update to everyone before tomorrow as we start the next step in Max's recovory. It's a big day.

Tomorrow, Wed, Max is going to a radiation treatment simulation. This is where they model Max's face, head and other stuff so they can build the proper setup for when radiation actually begins in a few weeks. This takes place at the UW at 9am pst.

Right after that we have to hustle back to Children's for another surgical procedure (2 in 1 actually ). One is a spinal tap, we're told this is standard procedure to make sure no cells from the tumor are found. They've told us that usually in cases like Max's they don't find anything, so we're optimistic but, still concerned, please join us in praying that this will come back with good results for Max.

The second procedure is the insertion of a porta-cath. This basically makes it easier for him to get chemo meds so the don't have stick an IV in his hand all the time. It's under the skin and won't really impact his ability to do anything. These procedures start at 11:30 pst.

Then, it seems they're going to try to slip a ct scan to confirm the status of Max's ventricles (pray for no swelling :)). Whew! Maybe we can find time for him to have that nagging wart removed too :) (not really!).

So it's a very busy day and of course we have worries, concerns and sometimes can't help feeling scared. We appreciate so much the great effort everyone has been making to keep Max in their prayers.

"Prayer is the medium of miracles".

Also want to update everyone on Max's progress in rehab. Very briefly he's really doing well, according to the rehab team. He's getting closer to walking on his own every day and his strength continues to improve. Speech is still tough, it's just a lot of effort and work but it seems to be getting easier. It's fun to watch him try so hard and have success, even if it's just peddling a stationary bike or shooting a ball into a 5 foot basket from 5 feet away.

We're meeting with the rehab team on thursday to get a progress report so we'll send more info after that.

Thanks again for your help and support with cards, meals, emails, gifts. We are so grateful and completely blown away - you are making such an enormous difference!

God Bless