Warning

We are very sad to report that there is a young man going door to door in the Las Vegas area representing himself as part of Kassidy's Army. We would NEVER go door to door asking for donations, please call the police or email us at kassidysarmy@live.com. See official fundraisers below!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

June 5, 2011




Friday was a day we were all been waiting for.  Not exactly the news we wanted to hear, but we took the news and immediately started research.  We now know that pediatric tumors are not the same as adult tumors.  So the hospital that will treat Kassidy will need to be a hospital dedicated to pediatric tumors and specialized in brain stem ganglioglioma. We have a list of hospitals we will be calling on Monday, starting with St Judes, UCLA, SD Anderson and Children's Hospital in Boston; these seem to show that they have had some studies in gangliogliomas.  Our question to them will be if their studies and treatments have been in brain stem gangliogliomas.  Brain stem gangliogliomas are very rare, a reason why not just any cancer hospital in the country will be able to help us.
The severity of a tumor on the brain stem is so intricate we want to make sure the treatment they prescribe is exactly what Kassidy needs.  We want the best!
We have actually felt a calm since we now know what we are dealing with, but deep in our hearts a little scared of the future.  Every morning we wake up we remind ourselves that we take a day at a time. Right now, that's all we can handle.
All of us are dealing with all of this a little differently, fortunately Ryan has work that helps keep his mind busy, Kyle still has track and another 4 days of school left; even though he's developed the shingles from stress of all this, poor kid.  But it hasn't kept him from doing what he loves, running. Myself, I have the house stuff and taking care of Kass.
This weekend Kass had a couple visitors, from the picture you can see she thoroughly enjoyed her friend's company.  She keeps busy texting, facebook, skype, her bunny, reading, and watching tv.  And still with an amazing attitude.  She truly give us strength!

2 comments:

~BridgetL~ said...

Massiel and family, know that we are praying for you all and are here for you. anything you need just ask.

Holly Pike said...

Hi. I had the privilege of meeting your beautiful daughter and your husband at the SC Angel practice on Saturday. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard at the state softball tournament.

As a colon cancer survivor, I belong to a few colon cancer organizations, so I asked if anyone knew of any good facilities dealing with pediatric neuro-oncology. One friend did say to try The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. www.chop.edu. He also said they live an hour away from there and have plenty of extra room for you:)

Another friend also put me in contact with a brain cancer survivor and I am waiting for a response from him.

I know you have a whole community behind you, but if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Continued thoughts and prayers,