tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11594258516017714832024-03-21T11:47:03.601-07:00Kassidys Road to Recoveryryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-33377931911138005072013-11-20T10:34:00.000-08:002013-11-20T10:34:48.468-08:00November 24, 2013Last month's MRI results were stable! YES! Dr. B suggested that we continue to do monthly physicals and blood test to be able to stay on the trial for awhile longer. He too feels that is best instead of cutting the chord completely to ANP, for a just in case scenario. Also, he would like for us to follow up with a PET Scan. Kass had one in May of 2012 so we already have a baseline and by repeating it could determine if there are any cancer cells left and if the tumor is dead. At this time, we may decide to be done with ANP completely. This will be at the beginning of 2014.<br />
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Kassidy's Army Run & Walk was success! Thank you so much to all who always come support us and to those new supporters, without you it would not all be possible. We so appreciate those who donated, supported and volunteered. <br />
It was such a great event and it felt amazing to give back to Aurora and her family. Aurora's family got the chance to make it to the event and give us a little update on her. She had surgery the following Tuesday and her surgery went very well. She is on her way to recovery! Thank goodness.<br />
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We are hoping to help a new child every year! Can't wait for next year!<br />
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Here are some of the pics of the event!<br />
<a href="http://benniepalmore.zenfolio.com/p439872690">http://benniepalmore.zenfolio.com/p439872690</a><br />
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I know many of you have been wondering about Kass. I'm sorry I haven't been able to answer all of you, there have been so many texts and messages! Thank you so much for the thoughts and prayers!<br />
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As all of you know I had been boasting that Kass has not had any symptoms since she stopped treatment in July. We have been so excited that maybe this would mean we are on the home stretch that we seemed to be feeling like "normal" family. Making plans, enjoying each day and even talking with Kass about going away to college.<br />
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Well, about a week and half some symptoms came back, headache, nausea, and even the dreaded vomiting. :( <br />
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She's been doing stairs at Majestic Park since she wants to get back into shape and that Friday she had to come home because she was so nauseous and had to throw up then slept the rest of the evening.<br />
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Three days later we invited her to hike Lone Mountain, since she has vocal chord dysfunction she had a bit of hard time breathing on the way up, but she didn't want to quit. We would take short breaks to allow for her vocal chords to allow oxygen thru and then continue. She made it and when we got to the top she had to throw up. She had such a hard time going down that she needed help because she was walking so wobbly. When we got to the car she asked if we could take her to Dr. Milne for an IV of fluids.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass and Dad, glad he was there to help her get down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiles even after throwing up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzh7tiu_rlhvfcsUeJRBea9Ef6GHbp-pl4OcYSzkRiTtAgVh4UVtj18gIMBz2lotBnuDRWU8zsTDx9Wd4SuN-ZIF7JUgJMc8AjdoREZJiPfp-zC40NTnlDV8ZBJz6jWpB56XWD6ftQ48u/s1600/Las+Vegas-20131111-01090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzh7tiu_rlhvfcsUeJRBea9Ef6GHbp-pl4OcYSzkRiTtAgVh4UVtj18gIMBz2lotBnuDRWU8zsTDx9Wd4SuN-ZIF7JUgJMc8AjdoREZJiPfp-zC40NTnlDV8ZBJz6jWpB56XWD6ftQ48u/s320/Las+Vegas-20131111-01090.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tough girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then we needed an IV of fluids.</td></tr>
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That is one thing we miss having her broviach, I could just give her an IV bag at home. Being on ANP which is very high on sodium, always made her very thirsty so now that she's not on treatment sometimes she forgets to drink water because for 2 and half years she has always felt thirst. So she now is trying to always carry a water bottle.<br />
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So after this episode she had two more episodes of the same symptoms, so bad that she was throwing up straight bile. The one Sunday is the one that scared us, where she just couldn't hold any liquids or food down and Ryan and I were all the way in Tempe Arizona and had to rush home.<br />
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We took Kass to the oncologist on Monday and he did a neuro test and blood test and ordered a stat MRI. He too was concerned with tumor growth.<br />
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I know many of you say not to worry, but it is very hard not to. Anytime Kass has any symptom our minds directly goes to tumor growth. Unfortunately, when your life has been touched by cancer is hard not to think that way.<br />
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It's been a very hard couple of days for all of us, but most of all for Kassidy. She has suffered quite the depression lately and we are very worried about her. I don't want her to loose her sense of hope, but I understand her, it's been 2 and half years of this. I get it! She got a glimpse of what a little bit of "normal" was for a few months and to think that treatment is looming around the corner again is very upsetting for all of us.<br />
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We did speak to Dr. Marquis this morning and he told us that MRI results from yesterday are of a true STABLE disease. Thank you God for listening to our prayers. Now why the symptoms??? That's the million dollar question.<br />
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Not two MRIs are sliced the same, so there could be a very minuscule change in tumor that is not showing in the different slices of the pictures of the MRI, but none measurable to 1mm or even to be alarmed for. Also, blood test have been done and we are waiting on those results to see if they give us answers. Very frustrating, but the worst case scenario has been ruled out which is a blessing.<br />
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Thank you, thank you all for your support. Sometimes these ups and downs can be a bit much and we have to tell you that we are emotionally spent.<br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-50899176823573878402013-10-20T21:04:00.000-07:002013-10-20T21:04:08.851-07:00October 20, 2013So much to say! <br />
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Summer was soooo busy for all of us, from the moment Kassidy graduated from high school, till the end of summer, life seem to go into high gear. Her graduation party was a success, so many came to celebrate such a special moment in her life. Thank you so much to all of you!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaasb8eZylyWBNBd2laEzMDeKa3pD1R5R-YRAwKJCwWT3xA8MQ1fShAYCeS6NuqMF90YsHkIvWhGn85lICr7wl-7nxYk2iwwOoz99yuu-mhh8FEPlbLUn4PFQvpM071j7OuzUPgQ6F9NRx/s1600/1004028_10151474878810163_185244340_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaasb8eZylyWBNBd2laEzMDeKa3pD1R5R-YRAwKJCwWT3xA8MQ1fShAYCeS6NuqMF90YsHkIvWhGn85lICr7wl-7nxYk2iwwOoz99yuu-mhh8FEPlbLUn4PFQvpM071j7OuzUPgQ6F9NRx/s320/1004028_10151474878810163_185244340_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduation Party </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ode to Kassidy</td></tr>
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We were able to fit so many doctor's appointment that we couldn't get to with the craziness of year end senior stuff. We finally got answers after her endoscopy that her esophagus had not been damaged from all the throwing up, no hiatal hernia, but her stomach did have to be dilated with a balloon to allow food to digest better. This has helped her quite a bit. Also, she finally received her cpap machine that we so long fought for and sleeps most night with it. We don't worry so much about her dropping in oxygen levels at night.<br />
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The beginning of July, she managed to pull out her broviach port right out of her chest and did not even feel it. She had gone to take coach Spencer, who was visiting, to CVS pharmacy to check his blood pressure because he had not been feeling well and while she waited in the car, she felt that her shirt was wet. When she looked down, her port was leaking medicine right on her lap. Oh my goodness! She was so freaked out that she drove herself to the hospital immediately. When I met her there, I thought that I would see her bleeding profusely from the port site and that she would need emergency surgery. To my surprise, the port didn't even bleed at all. An x-ray showed that no debris was left behind, so we were sent home with an appointment for surgery to have a new one put in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNMDvnFLwW1MTb9HogGaTE2MWPCatSbUAWN7pg_eaGx15_AWJ2Gk4yBqlXefEPH1Lt-oyFkmb_AttAxXXYkogwv3PLYoYhcdRAVC9Arqk4ldLw413WzUg5y7NRc1lG9BKiPFHyhHSnBIM/s1600/1011801_10151496959220163_1685791916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNMDvnFLwW1MTb9HogGaTE2MWPCatSbUAWN7pg_eaGx15_AWJ2Gk4yBqlXefEPH1Lt-oyFkmb_AttAxXXYkogwv3PLYoYhcdRAVC9Arqk4ldLw413WzUg5y7NRc1lG9BKiPFHyhHSnBIM/s320/1011801_10151496959220163_1685791916_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Broviach!</td></tr>
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Then mid July while we were on vacation, her new port fell out again! We were a little more calm this time around about it and Dr. B suggested we wait till the August MRI to make a decision on putting a new one back in. Her chest was so sore from the old broviach site and new one, that we decided to take the chance and see what her tumor would do off medication for a month and half off her medicine. And guess what? August MRI showed stable results. Thank you God!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeuhhOaO6tQdunkjzCMr9NKjFNBVOrzNUGWNy-5MsahnXp1cqN6QEbQ6as-lbWVoSW3Pr6ZX_God_aJjRddHq0CI0HvgFumtIyGiz0A-PjqEusJ3q6rw_p89uFECafbewE6qtZzsYeQMR/s1600/DSC_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeuhhOaO6tQdunkjzCMr9NKjFNBVOrzNUGWNy-5MsahnXp1cqN6QEbQ6as-lbWVoSW3Pr6ZX_God_aJjRddHq0CI0HvgFumtIyGiz0A-PjqEusJ3q6rw_p89uFECafbewE6qtZzsYeQMR/s320/DSC_0226.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since her port fell out she decided it was time for a little beach time. It had been 2 years since she had been in the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI__5iysnkOTcssQPEvcq8U4H2YB1qGK8R3xUJsBvrlGaaWw4Bdm0W6lkQomGQFgzFRXeFkK-9oUBjj9tWBQiwK982I8CWh0GgxGrYVvZoJoT5_yNoKOnz2QnOzBYvh9T1-iOpnqzxA8ti/s1600/91d53322-e387-4067-a293-a81614c1921e_zps926901d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI__5iysnkOTcssQPEvcq8U4H2YB1qGK8R3xUJsBvrlGaaWw4Bdm0W6lkQomGQFgzFRXeFkK-9oUBjj9tWBQiwK982I8CWh0GgxGrYVvZoJoT5_yNoKOnz2QnOzBYvh9T1-iOpnqzxA8ti/s320/91d53322-e387-4067-a293-a81614c1921e_zps926901d3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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So, now Kass has been off ANP since July 24th, that will be a total 90 days without treatment. Yikes! She has an MRI scheduled this week on Thursday, October 24th. The results of this scan will determine if Kass is done with treatment or not. <br />
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I have to tell you that I am a nervous wreck about it. I am afraid! If Kass goes off ANP treatment as of now, she will not be allowed back on the trial because the FDA still has a ban on new ANP patients and the clinic still does not know when the ban will be lifted. This makes me so sad! I wish the FDA would get off their high horse and recognize that ANP saves lives.<br />
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On the other hand, Kass has been doing great off treatment. She is less tired and this is helping her with her college classes and job. Yes a job! She got one tutoring through a program at UNLV. She works close to home. We are so proud of her! Not only that, but her headaches and throwing up are almost nonexistent. Soooooooo thankful! Nausea still comes and goes, but nothing like before. I am holding my breath. I have to tell you that I am almost afraid to celebrate it. Could this be it??? Remission... We only dream and hope. Meanwhile, we are enjoying ALMOST feeling normal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejPFJRcki2RKWp8Lo2MVDfeSnTZ6B6NvH-CRmvQ8eRr-ShYLLy26dD1jGppeOKvs0nqo7Bk9x-Qb-nSy7Ic-m-icOW01liQnaGtaJsF05SYX8LMk_t3E3hWgtc_TV99zY6dYSdv7x6F4y/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejPFJRcki2RKWp8Lo2MVDfeSnTZ6B6NvH-CRmvQ8eRr-ShYLLy26dD1jGppeOKvs0nqo7Bk9x-Qb-nSy7Ic-m-icOW01liQnaGtaJsF05SYX8LMk_t3E3hWgtc_TV99zY6dYSdv7x6F4y/s320/DSC_0290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Day of School as a College Freshman</td></tr>
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Please, don't stop the prayers coming. We have such an important decision to make this month!<br />
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We are also so excited to invite you all to the 3rd Annual Kassidy's Army 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk which is gonna be held at Bunker Park on Saturday, November 2nd.<br />
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This year we have decided to start paying it forward. From the moment that we started Kassidy's Army we have always wanted to help others in need like you all have helped us, along our journey.<br />
We have chosen to help Aurora who is a 10 month old baby born with an auto immune disease, heart problem, floppy airway that has required a trach and problems with her stomach muscles that she has a feeding tube. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggdNDyPvWRCueWeWFsvNMI9QPQmWmh8gKFLsZZ0JBri5-Wo9N9GfYY__wy6J549opLbnV6DynWeGJaSHl-DWET6x8gRkU8_vFGnT53LYUTFiMv3NfEYaAErIl1Mffq-FsJYJqrXhUalpW/s1600/Aurora2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggdNDyPvWRCueWeWFsvNMI9QPQmWmh8gKFLsZZ0JBri5-Wo9N9GfYY__wy6J549opLbnV6DynWeGJaSHl-DWET6x8gRkU8_vFGnT53LYUTFiMv3NfEYaAErIl1Mffq-FsJYJqrXhUalpW/s320/Aurora2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Aurora & her Parents<br />Her facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforAurora13">https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforAurora13</a></td></tr>
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3rd Annual Kassidy's Army 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Bunker Park on Alexander and Tenaya Way.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Opening Ceremonies 8:30am</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">5K Run 9:00am</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">1 Mile Walk 9:15am<br /><br />WALKER & STROLLER FRIENDLY<br />REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED BY OUR SPONSORS<br />MEDALS TO TOP 3 IN EACH AGE GROUP<br />RAFFLE PRIZES & AUCTION BASKETS<br /><br />We are in NEED of Volunteers for registration, setup, water station, finish line and clean up. Please email us at kassidysarmy@live.com<br /><br /><br />YOU may REGISTER ONLINE at:<br /><span>h<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforAurora13">ttp://www.hope4lives.org/</a></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforAurora13"><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>kassidy-s-army-5k</a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please SHARE this flyer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this year's shirts!</td></tr>
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-4509306841109379982013-06-13T23:58:00.000-07:002013-06-13T23:58:47.837-07:00June 13, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, I have to update you a little, sorry it's been awhile. So much has happened!</div>
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Kassidy's softball senior game was an amazing day. The younger girls always decorate and prepare the field before the seniors show up. When all the girls arrived, except for Kassidy were wearing their Centennial jackets (she thought it was odd since she had not been told about the change in uniform)... As the seniors made their way to the field they all lined up with the younger players and proceeded to unzip their jackets. They surprised Kassidy that day by wearing grey shirts for Brain Tumor Awareness Month, the "Never Give Up" motto the back of the shirts, #11 (Kassidy's softball #) on their left sleeve and and orange bow with the grey ribbon and #11 on it. Kass got emotional! I must say that I could not be more thankful to her wonderful softball team for the support and most of all to her coaches. Ever since diagnosis, Kass has felt part of the team even if she could not actually play the game, but her coaches knew how important softball has meant to her and they have made a commendable effort to include Kass and made her feel as in integral part of the team. Ryan and I could not be more appreciative to them.<br />
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It was so great to see the stands packed, I had never seen them so full of family & friends that had come to see their own senior players and those who had come to see Kass step on the dirt one last time. Family came from Wyoming, friends of Kassidy made the trek from all over the valley, coach Spencer made it from Texas, UNLV womens baskeball players came out and of course Kyle came home to surprise Kass. Kass was put in the first inning, as she was announced by coach Spencer the crowd went wild and she actually got a hit which grounded towards second base. She also played first base for just a bit. What a proud moment for our family to see her so happy and have flash backs of the amazing player she once was.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First at bat in 2 years in a REAL game!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing first base</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3JBwk6wm-HIUEN0gr_mBRcfO70apQnUU0wZ3j4S9Ur24CEKFUhTCSqFxuZJPgiPlLqcNlHsJIQPelon40bEYG1ScUV6USt7W_nuvemKwEqS6sbzLlLL_cnwZ7K1Clw_-fix8NoDomP4a/s1600/IMG_1898a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3JBwk6wm-HIUEN0gr_mBRcfO70apQnUU0wZ3j4S9Ur24CEKFUhTCSqFxuZJPgiPlLqcNlHsJIQPelon40bEYG1ScUV6USt7W_nuvemKwEqS6sbzLlLL_cnwZ7K1Clw_-fix8NoDomP4a/s320/IMG_1898a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can her smile be any bigger!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senior Day</td></tr>
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Channel 3 News came out to cover the story, but arrived right after she had batted, so they asked coach if they would put her in one more time so they could get it on camera. So they did, this time she strucked out, but it didn't matter she again had a cheek to cheek smile that would not wear off for hours. After the game, they presented each senior, escorted by their parents to the field and then coaches presented them with a hawaiian lei, tons of hugs, gifts and more flowers. So emotional to see all these girls that Kass has grown up with to go on and play at their home field one last time, many to go on and move on to play in D1 & D2 colleges. So proud of them all!<br />
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Here is a link to the News 3 story:<br />
<a href="http://www.mynews3.com/content/news/story/centennial-senior-softball-battles-tumor/hXt3jsOazE2NcoeeojqS7w.cspx">http://www.mynews3.com/content/news/story/centennial-senior-softball-battles-tumor/hXt3jsOazE2NcoeeojqS7w.cspx</a><br />
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Kass got invited to speak at the Make-A-Wish Ball at the Paris Hotel to talk about her wish to Australia. This event is a silent auction to raise funds for the organization and Kass happened to be one of the guests of honor. It was fun to dress up and have a nice night out with a fabulous dinner. She got to meet a girl about her age who has cystic fibrosis, they spent the night chatting. I always like when she meets other kids about her age struggling too so she doesn't feel alone.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make-A-Wish Ball</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTPjMX7l2l6ZOXQPnCGyz7_DrfuWfxSZMswcell45_EfCg13Wn05JZWfisZXsFaEXDqqvRetLWIVEIpTpjL4hMuIgW2vnuIixX4bBt9xSlFdQpIRXAYUQe8kYTxAYIceL7XyczDR9cfFc/s1600/DSC_4524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTPjMX7l2l6ZOXQPnCGyz7_DrfuWfxSZMswcell45_EfCg13Wn05JZWfisZXsFaEXDqqvRetLWIVEIpTpjL4hMuIgW2vnuIixX4bBt9xSlFdQpIRXAYUQe8kYTxAYIceL7XyczDR9cfFc/s320/DSC_4524.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the invited Make-A-Wish kids and Mercedes from 94.1 & Kendall Tenney</td></tr>
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Mid May Centennial Softball made it to the state softball playoffs. They dominated their opponents during them outscoring them 77-11. Wow! They definitely earned their spot into the Championship game beating each team one by one. That day we arrived early at the UNLV softball fields and were excited to see all the girls wear their grey shirts again. Ryan and I picked our spot in the stands, as we sat by ourselves, we remembered how 2 years ago Kass was having brain surgery while Centennial softball girls played for the State Championship, while already getting emotional, Kass came up to us clearly upset. We were worried she was not feeling well, but she was upset because it was gonna be the last time she would ever wear a Centennial uniform and coach had asked her to say a couple words of wisdom in pre-game huddle. She wanted a hug and guidance on what to say. According to some of her teammates she did a great job, but could not stop the tears from falling. She said: "We are not done yet!" "This may be the last time I step foot on a softball field and the last time I can call myself a ball player, I love you guys........" I guess there was not a dry eye in the huddle. The girls proceeded to play a stellar game, winning 13 to 0 against Palo Verde. Making Centennial Varsity Softball first team in the state to ever win a back to back championship in women's softball. What a day! Couldn't asked for a better way to celebrate Kassidy's 2 year survivor anniversary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPW_zJFiQlFJF3ibzvOUVdq5vwryjsEcig3wYps6zAFg9vgs1VlI7NsDTG395qbpti96No8MZ_J0lUgacmYqsP3B_8It-zjVkM2KUfN7JHkudp2_zy6hu_UmbXgPXdr1OSiu3Zpz52-Dn/s1600/309999_463130120437214_1392485928_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPW_zJFiQlFJF3ibzvOUVdq5vwryjsEcig3wYps6zAFg9vgs1VlI7NsDTG395qbpti96No8MZ_J0lUgacmYqsP3B_8It-zjVkM2KUfN7JHkudp2_zy6hu_UmbXgPXdr1OSiu3Zpz52-Dn/s320/309999_463130120437214_1392485928_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Don caught this moment, I didn't know anyone was watching.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-game huddle </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tkSC3fgOIGCQB3hhp7M6xrInO_xKCDLoPjDNjCzx0XJ8kIIwjwDBCwzJpxiaECasMD7VeTv-RvQurIyHhEkSYm9PG0JRQMMUp-P4dL7-aaYGi4Mb4SqRIv1OtMIybisjlJMxvGHbYJ6i/s1600/946634_463132913770268_861336698_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tkSC3fgOIGCQB3hhp7M6xrInO_xKCDLoPjDNjCzx0XJ8kIIwjwDBCwzJpxiaECasMD7VeTv-RvQurIyHhEkSYm9PG0JRQMMUp-P4dL7-aaYGi4Mb4SqRIv1OtMIybisjlJMxvGHbYJ6i/s320/946634_463132913770268_861336698_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this picture of her teammate Kate consoling Kass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Nevada State Softball Champions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLniH9dbevTTnUjGwWNWWxuWPChyphenhyphen6-g2-tJuO4u8pCtqwYZtStYzh-rRvbkMBFv3LRiSSqKhkXtE7RI4ucYm0wvGln0R0yYHrxi63XResCi20OufTY4m4bbsbeM00itHJNqtbl91vN7f0_/s1600/58972_524556034248195_1427421316_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLniH9dbevTTnUjGwWNWWxuWPChyphenhyphen6-g2-tJuO4u8pCtqwYZtStYzh-rRvbkMBFv3LRiSSqKhkXtE7RI4ucYm0wvGln0R0yYHrxi63XResCi20OufTY4m4bbsbeM00itHJNqtbl91vN7f0_/s320/58972_524556034248195_1427421316_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congratulations Kass, 2 year survivor!</td></tr>
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<br />
On May 21st we had Senior Awards Night at Centennial HS. Kass was invited to be recognized for her awards, honors and scholarships. We are so very proud of her, she finished her high school career with a 4.2 gpa and received her advanced honors diploma, high honors graduate, and 4 academic scholarships; no small feat with all the days she had to miss because she didn't feel well or had doctor's appointments. Not only that, but she got the last award of the night, "the principal's award" given to her for her bravery, hard work, never give up attitude and perseverance. She accepted her award and when she turned around the whole audience was giving her a standing ovation. I broke down sobbing! She worked so hard to maintain her grades up and I know it wasn't easy. There were times she was so tired she said she would have to read things 2 or 3 times to understand and also times when she was so nauseous she just wanted to come home and sleep. So Ryan and I are beyond proud of her for trying so hard. She also attended the Public Education Foundation recognition luncheon at the Venetian Hotel where she was presented two of her scholarships. Great to see all the kids around the district that received these great scholarships, some friends and kids Kass grew up with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35cKzlT9uEw_gE-5JqIR-SHPJA6IZ3dPKSfCCaw4iWjQ68GaAUjgmRiR3IAv95lB_zzlad_kFW3EMZCyzPYoZCKIuXXPtFQb2VlGaDLG6Wlrl9HAM5wKbqSMABnab8FmUGRuf-hcjLZhk/s1600/DSC_4622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35cKzlT9uEw_gE-5JqIR-SHPJA6IZ3dPKSfCCaw4iWjQ68GaAUjgmRiR3IAv95lB_zzlad_kFW3EMZCyzPYoZCKIuXXPtFQb2VlGaDLG6Wlrl9HAM5wKbqSMABnab8FmUGRuf-hcjLZhk/s320/DSC_4622.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Day presenting her the last award of the night, the Principals Award</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6I9n3zdPjOM1XkQppD6GBE2hPwa9nbQneFnX10WNFMl-gMRotjztth_h-Z-j5GscL6QjwmFSv_zaA11iVhMeVXPwLQKauhUtG5isbgmEqdj1-ENKjivmnKKk3qyML872jjMS0-KeNHjP/s1600/DSC_4627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6I9n3zdPjOM1XkQppD6GBE2hPwa9nbQneFnX10WNFMl-gMRotjztth_h-Z-j5GscL6QjwmFSv_zaA11iVhMeVXPwLQKauhUtG5isbgmEqdj1-ENKjivmnKKk3qyML872jjMS0-KeNHjP/s320/DSC_4627.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the ceremony each kid is to give their parents a rose for supporting them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT8cvvdVOtjbI8dbN5jndTcQQgW3SO02mL8JLk9HSF5iYy1FzbSfjFYxYEj4ww9Ec5mDTZaSsZrU6289X-uGLgoDHs3y_i_NFO_vU-H_pHyKYaL5pvp2d7xEKChVSMVjsI-AXfvULsoio/s1600/DSC_4648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT8cvvdVOtjbI8dbN5jndTcQQgW3SO02mL8JLk9HSF5iYy1FzbSfjFYxYEj4ww9Ec5mDTZaSsZrU6289X-uGLgoDHs3y_i_NFO_vU-H_pHyKYaL5pvp2d7xEKChVSMVjsI-AXfvULsoio/s320/DSC_4648.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Public Education Foundation Recognition Luncheon with my girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCLmVV99RM1oBa82MASXpqlLZLeOWdFoFEsL1HaChsMCtATSqdoD755NDX3D0tkTVjNMxcp44LXFSmrB9e15i9yd_3kxkhdCFB9HoGGSH_xzmL6cPa57wCdg-tACgOMq7UtGvyMVfBJbg/s1600/DSC_4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCLmVV99RM1oBa82MASXpqlLZLeOWdFoFEsL1HaChsMCtATSqdoD755NDX3D0tkTVjNMxcp44LXFSmrB9e15i9yd_3kxkhdCFB9HoGGSH_xzmL6cPa57wCdg-tACgOMq7UtGvyMVfBJbg/s320/DSC_4655.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting recognized for her scholarships</td></tr>
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We also found some time to do Kassidy's senior pictures, I know.... kinda cut it close, we've been so busy. On picture day I prayed she would feel good enough for pictures, since she's been battling with nausea so bad. We decided on Nelson's Landing which is about 1 hour away towards Arizona, we love the backgrounds and it's rich colors. We met Dana, the photographer out there around 5:30pm since she loves the natural light around that time. At first Kass was not happy about this whole picture thing, she had not tried one of the outfits I bought for her till that moment and again I prayed they fit and looked good on her. I was asking God for a big favor there! Dana was so good with her and Kass immediately felt very comfortable with her. The pictures turned out beautiful and I think she's glad I made her do it. She looked beautiful!<br />
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Here is a link to Dana's blog and Kassidy's senior pictures:<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanvisionstudios.com/blog/kassidy-class-of-2013-las-vegas-senior-portraits/?fb_action_ids=10151441417500163&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582">http://www.urbanvisionstudios.com/blog/kassidy-class-of-2013-las-vegas-senior-portraits/?fb_action_ids=10151441417500163&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582</a><br />
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Softball banquet night was another great night to honor these great girls. Kass got her navy letter for lettering in a sport 4 years in a row and the "Never Give Up" Award from the coaches. Coaches got emotional and so did the parents including myself. I believe these group of girls were very special to the Livreris, they are loosing 7 seniors this year, most of them been on varsity since their freshman year including Kass. But since Kass will be going to UNLV this fall, they invited her to come back and help coach the catchers next year, she was excited and gladly accepted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLdbajiFMA7iU9wx5g9YHBBWEMKCuFjSE_OSH9jNQ4gkd56FXLSrNWD0Q0IkqUio0W4xAEQH3Fsx4KzZUF_4HCArNu-fqjmnQAqfASRpG9aDA34wZc_IEcnnyAVkjaqiWCkEBtApSG_rC/s1600/DSC_4778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLdbajiFMA7iU9wx5g9YHBBWEMKCuFjSE_OSH9jNQ4gkd56FXLSrNWD0Q0IkqUio0W4xAEQH3Fsx4KzZUF_4HCArNu-fqjmnQAqfASRpG9aDA34wZc_IEcnnyAVkjaqiWCkEBtApSG_rC/s320/DSC_4778.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass with her amazing softball coaches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYnYqxs_8YKvLKhL8COWsHotzmbdNG4oaKzHTleh_Z3E0r6xBTZBVKmW-VCLugJmZGn95BEGsuVn5zD2FDevBnLV7IWRuvElnChjFBqYFocgwmEYogSmx0w6pIQS0MagsYTqDhnZX-_5I/s1600/198409_10151443307070163_1447818433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYnYqxs_8YKvLKhL8COWsHotzmbdNG4oaKzHTleh_Z3E0r6xBTZBVKmW-VCLugJmZGn95BEGsuVn5zD2FDevBnLV7IWRuvElnChjFBqYFocgwmEYogSmx0w6pIQS0MagsYTqDhnZX-_5I/s320/198409_10151443307070163_1447818433_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The first weekend in June, Kass decided last minute to attend Nevada Childhood Cancer's Teen Retreat at Torino Ranch, this always causes me stress because that means someone else will be doing her medicine, cleaning her port, preparing medicine bags etc. But I was sure glad she got the opportunity to go. She got to see others are going thru something similar and even sometimes worse than her. We were asked to write letters to her about what she means to us, she came saying she had a fabulous time, but was very emotional for her when she read our letters, especially her brother's letter. So sad it's her last year going to camps since she will be 18 this year.<br />
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Graduation day came fast! Family came in from Utah, Wyoming and Panama. We also got a call from Ron Kantowski who works for the Review Journal and first wrote about Kassidy's story in 2011 when Kass was first diagnosed, he wanted to follow up with an article on Kass and didn't want to miss her graduation as he had promised he would 2 years ago. She was all smiles during the ceremony, her name was called and we went wild, we could also hear cheers from other sections of the Thomas and Mack. She opted to not take her dose during graduation so she wouldn't have to carry her backpack, she had her zofran ready and we carried her throw up bags just in case, but she felt great! I still can't believe high school is over, she was just going to kindergarten. It was so great to spend time with all the family this past weekend, we made a family reunion out of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL7miUrQU9pvh2MVnk1k8PAF9wE4XthZCRY-9n_N0Ozy6CLBIT_YOt-GeMSstbLGuAEdyph_YsaCTqgp8hc-MZcqfcQEDHXaBt-2CLC4KXqnMvvW4XcxrJPeOpGY4TAxMzrzOifpVMjAH/s1600/DSC_4899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL7miUrQU9pvh2MVnk1k8PAF9wE4XthZCRY-9n_N0Ozy6CLBIT_YOt-GeMSstbLGuAEdyph_YsaCTqgp8hc-MZcqfcQEDHXaBt-2CLC4KXqnMvvW4XcxrJPeOpGY4TAxMzrzOifpVMjAH/s320/DSC_4899.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the ceremony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffIqifSwJgxyaRzTy86scjAcLmy1GEP8mihFFJMEFQMnxcf4Hm15VMEs8uZUymA8etIieoYqZpm76mXwQoKTuDwayc-WXIG2OQb76XPWRQ-2nTiSr5UUNbulkh9fCG54NekgYJsp3XGWM/s1600/DSC_4935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffIqifSwJgxyaRzTy86scjAcLmy1GEP8mihFFJMEFQMnxcf4Hm15VMEs8uZUymA8etIieoYqZpm76mXwQoKTuDwayc-WXIG2OQb76XPWRQ-2nTiSr5UUNbulkh9fCG54NekgYJsp3XGWM/s320/DSC_4935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud moment for us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdvd4T8tizQ8IdjaNP4zV7MIDtGU4psgrwwPtV7Hmt7Ngqu74MliRMFfPvmvHIFnWdkoJ0wDyKRSGhA1mv7HP62OlGrcNn-IDh9e-CzMDabgqtW4sGkkeXQBod7keEzLpfONq3oPv1KM6/s1600/1750_4953217429142_1477660293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdvd4T8tizQ8IdjaNP4zV7MIDtGU4psgrwwPtV7Hmt7Ngqu74MliRMFfPvmvHIFnWdkoJ0wDyKRSGhA1mv7HP62OlGrcNn-IDh9e-CzMDabgqtW4sGkkeXQBod7keEzLpfONq3oPv1KM6/s320/1750_4953217429142_1477660293_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReft6el_VxOv7xRXagmy_cqYDf9x9rYBUq8XgnuC7BRL2GJLr2mW3T3wn9TTe3i3dOEcnC2ioPgDeVD-004k37miLzXAtHaf0jBrqv5NbLB3e0G5G1_vzCoLimTnKDEs3n6woUEB1s0_7/s1600/DSC_4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReft6el_VxOv7xRXagmy_cqYDf9x9rYBUq8XgnuC7BRL2GJLr2mW3T3wn9TTe3i3dOEcnC2ioPgDeVD-004k37miLzXAtHaf0jBrqv5NbLB3e0G5G1_vzCoLimTnKDEs3n6woUEB1s0_7/s320/DSC_4963.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the family that attended, we had a couple missing in the pic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWb76dYFMa4SpIvMiPjazKQOGnDUYQhwfXnrz0zqa27z4obYtRMCTYd0_yIc41NKYxMyh02Vxb-OpoCovFL2W1M7z9_l74PGBdskxI1N_QNn1lPp8USiDKsmseUsSktFmo1jhUAc6K9vz/s1600/DSC_4994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWb76dYFMa4SpIvMiPjazKQOGnDUYQhwfXnrz0zqa27z4obYtRMCTYd0_yIc41NKYxMyh02Vxb-OpoCovFL2W1M7z9_l74PGBdskxI1N_QNn1lPp8USiDKsmseUsSktFmo1jhUAc6K9vz/s320/DSC_4994.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family!</td></tr>
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Here is the article that made first page in the sports section of the Review Journal:<br />
<a href="http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/ron-kantowski/graduation-marks-proud-step-forward-kassidy">http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/ron-kantowski/graduation-marks-proud-step-forward-kassidy</a><br />
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Now after probably the most emotional month and half this week we've been busy getting things ready for Kassidy's graduation party and some doctor's appointment. Kass will need to have another sleep study with the cpap machine to see exactly how much oxygen she will need and what type of mask. Her first sleep study showed there are times where she dips down to 64% oxygen at night, this could be causing her non stop nausea and sometimes headaches. This month she will also have a swallow study since she has been having a bit more problems with choking on liquids when she drinks and an endoscopy to check her esophagus, stomach and see about her hiatal hernia. Last time, we went to see her local oncologist he also referred us to a neurologist so we go see him at the end of the month. Will also be following up with her endocronologist who is working on helping her with her adrenals that were suppressed because of so much steroid use. She seems to be doing much better with her thyroid issues that also the steroids damaged and is now loosing weight little by little. She's so excited about this. Clothes that have not fit her in her month are not fitting. What a great feeling for her!<br />
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And today, we have the dreaded MRI, please remember to keep Kass in your prayers. We are hoping for a stable scan and if that happens that means we are on our way to weaning her to her final maintenance dose of 160ml on bag 1. Also we are hoping to have a mediation with the insurance today about their coverage of her treatment, keeping our fingers crossed big time on this one. We can't handle much more of these insurance issues. We should know of their decision in about 5 days.<br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-2987137960322527962013-04-30T17:00:00.000-07:002013-04-30T17:00:01.746-07:00April 30, 2013Let me start by letting all of you know that MRI of the brain and spine ended up being stable. Thank you God!!! We had a little bit of issues again with Summerlin Hospital NOT putting both MRIs on one cd after promising me they had. Nope!!! I had to spend $26 to send the cd overnight which only had the brain and not the spine. LOL! I had to laught, before I had a coronary that day.<br />
I still don't know how hard it is to burn all MRI images in one or even two. But whatever, I have also setup the clinic with an online password so in the future if we have any images done thru Desert Radiology which is the company that Summerlin Hospital uses, then the MRI images can be seen real time in Houston as well; so no cd would be needed to be sent via Fedex. I don't want to go through this again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimok5XJzdYTn95cxCVyI4cUysyP0ZGvoJZMnPD0AFXPrGP1bLBEKBDzSubqMUSbETE4Hiw8fdq1wgnzkVv8RolR4Hdd-WfV-TZ6JfiJAQ2UXRYW8E_jXyUuRk-F39cXa4zNVpD7WZNN46e/s1600/Las+Vegas-20130430-00813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimok5XJzdYTn95cxCVyI4cUysyP0ZGvoJZMnPD0AFXPrGP1bLBEKBDzSubqMUSbETE4Hiw8fdq1wgnzkVv8RolR4Hdd-WfV-TZ6JfiJAQ2UXRYW8E_jXyUuRk-F39cXa4zNVpD7WZNN46e/s320/Las+Vegas-20130430-00813.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the MRI cd, check of the modality: "both" </td></tr>
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<br />
When we spoke to the doctor in Houston they were not sure either what caused Kassidy's bad headache while throwing up. All of the doctors agree that it could have been that she had some type of sinus issue and that combined with the rising inter cranial pressure. It has only happened once more, last Sunday, but thank goodness it was not as severe as the one from the scare.<br />
<br />
The week before Kass had a pretty good week. No throwing up for a whole week we were so excited since prom was that same week. We had been working hard getting her dress ready. She's not a fan of dresses so again we decided not to put her through shopping and trying them on. We did measurements at home and went online and she picked a dress in less than 2 minutes. When it arrived we took it to a wonderful lady that turned the beautiful strapless dress to a perfect dress for Kass that covered her broviach port and arms that she is not so fond of right now. Not only that, but Kass has lost almost 10 pounds so the dress had to be taken in. She's been working hard.<br />
<br />
Prom day came and I was so scared because she kept telling me she was not exactly feeling that great. After 2 zofrans she seemed ok. Her hair, makeup, shoes, dress all turned out beautifully. Our little girl felt pretty that day! Hooray!!!! You could tell by the smile on her face. Ryan and I were proud parents and very emotional since it is Kassidy's last high school dance and that she took a very special person to prom with her.<br />
<br />
You see, Justin, her prom date is delayed. But Justin is one of Kassidy's best childhood friends. They grew up together and while growing up Kass has always protected Justin, she even could decipher his speech better than us adults because of his speech impediments. When I told her she should find someone fun to be around to go to prom with, Justin came to mind right away. She wanted to have fun at prom and at the same time give Justin the chance to be able to attend a high school prom in his life. This melted our hearts as well as Justin's mother, our friend Sandy. All Sandy could do was cry when Kass called her to ask permission. It was truly an emotional day for both of us moms! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFKdj8e5i0P4MMWKe1Qw9oONXoZ28UeulMs_XbIXe-w_bgZxrxUyqs3RYc86ZOO2MO8x1I4iT74KdVyuXfeuA_86qvLgkXfegDcNWAalYjwViBnk8hh-lTxJnlTVPlb8iz5QXALclbnJS/s1600/001+Page1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFKdj8e5i0P4MMWKe1Qw9oONXoZ28UeulMs_XbIXe-w_bgZxrxUyqs3RYc86ZOO2MO8x1I4iT74KdVyuXfeuA_86qvLgkXfegDcNWAalYjwViBnk8hh-lTxJnlTVPlb8iz5QXALclbnJS/s320/001+Page1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin and Kassidy from babies on.... Best Friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LasyFHWc9J03xWzpZjres2vkdVdUJ7nI4hgVGsqVtHtQpQNicjN1PpPOR3Oeg7Wza8xoVkNQ4RNiU1NtP_0w-CJc2QppkB2U-Z1_ncNM77Bh7N55IhGjKuP12tI6tF5vdpalU1ztGzzs/s1600/389151_556009474429443_642021704_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LasyFHWc9J03xWzpZjres2vkdVdUJ7nI4hgVGsqVtHtQpQNicjN1PpPOR3Oeg7Wza8xoVkNQ4RNiU1NtP_0w-CJc2QppkB2U-Z1_ncNM77Bh7N55IhGjKuP12tI6tF5vdpalU1ztGzzs/s320/389151_556009474429443_642021704_n-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Kassidy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinesI64NpkrZBo_K57pNktwb1tqzVmHhVT_WL_0AukD1eHe4Urq9pB-J_LRGE2A5hMBBgF7lYAqFzGIBz2trbdlT0gQyepZ26GeZvyymn4sQXjdGeYDF4dDeXJaixSvTtxlb349psGlWDP/s1600/544102_556392744391116_132023234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinesI64NpkrZBo_K57pNktwb1tqzVmHhVT_WL_0AukD1eHe4Urq9pB-J_LRGE2A5hMBBgF7lYAqFzGIBz2trbdlT0gQyepZ26GeZvyymn4sQXjdGeYDF4dDeXJaixSvTtxlb349psGlWDP/s320/544102_556392744391116_132023234_n.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her dress was perfect!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCgm8sU2rUpOGbZ6xx8n8yYrqkaINR42yYAV6nWhK5zYqP4Gc35w9bf-2x43OuQB8jsSh7IkFtyrMmjwHBa7hTt3FnfA-bh05zMfrAPS54nspUw_cpqjyYPHvguWEG9H-qEE-VTgxwyAT/s1600/935472_556009424429448_30588302_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCgm8sU2rUpOGbZ6xx8n8yYrqkaINR42yYAV6nWhK5zYqP4Gc35w9bf-2x43OuQB8jsSh7IkFtyrMmjwHBa7hTt3FnfA-bh05zMfrAPS54nspUw_cpqjyYPHvguWEG9H-qEE-VTgxwyAT/s320/935472_556009424429448_30588302_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass has been teetery on her feet since surgery so heels are out of the questions, these were just perfect!</td></tr>
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The whole group that Kass and Justin was a great group. Pictures started at our house, then we drove them to Bellagio where a photographer did pictures of them by the Fountains and the atrium at Bellagio Gardens. It followed by dinner at Circo Restaurant at the Bellagio and the limo picking them up to go see Recycled Percussion Show at The Quad. They then returned to Circo for an array of amazing desserts that the chef sent specially for their group. They finished their night at our house to watch movies. It was truly a great night!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJlirtqREr4VannN-5PExA7tlPFhTY2iMe-S47bW2xHNK2IzJpLb1eNZPicJi1L6Lf13WJ4KKUphx522S0cSCoLDfSPaNSE3ROV2ZeQAYWporB2iXp_dVgzXgkSkDVVQy7SF4QAVfcQ3D/s1600/575547_10151399307985163_1706212718_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJlirtqREr4VannN-5PExA7tlPFhTY2iMe-S47bW2xHNK2IzJpLb1eNZPicJi1L6Lf13WJ4KKUphx522S0cSCoLDfSPaNSE3ROV2ZeQAYWporB2iXp_dVgzXgkSkDVVQy7SF4QAVfcQ3D/s320/575547_10151399307985163_1706212718_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZw-JdJrfswT9MXTipTKsf0EBJD9t1PyAQwWRD6wOiChb2CxQInH9FSvUFj78xcIeNkCzhs0Zty5S-XvaZ9QV21defrichnPj7vRti5mQfLHHWrgFT2Vll2hnFx2nTyqd0BUwcwk02KG5p/s1600/644660_10151399297750163_1372377948_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZw-JdJrfswT9MXTipTKsf0EBJD9t1PyAQwWRD6wOiChb2CxQInH9FSvUFj78xcIeNkCzhs0Zty5S-XvaZ9QV21defrichnPj7vRti5mQfLHHWrgFT2Vll2hnFx2nTyqd0BUwcwk02KG5p/s320/644660_10151399297750163_1372377948_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The couples!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_l5ZjBnLWjOevHGdAL93Bd3UcXkOT7cj8RyD7oLNe1N2IKhNRbGNu1bEsy5KhvEHaCbMA24oXfiMBxQ5uCshixAoyS72nbwZk5fz6EA8a9Si8X0kOGWkri9MrK837Etwo3OJWZg6At_1/s1600/578827_10151399325875163_1535718204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_l5ZjBnLWjOevHGdAL93Bd3UcXkOT7cj8RyD7oLNe1N2IKhNRbGNu1bEsy5KhvEHaCbMA24oXfiMBxQ5uCshixAoyS72nbwZk5fz6EA8a9Si8X0kOGWkri9MrK837Etwo3OJWZg6At_1/s320/578827_10151399325875163_1535718204_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kassidy with the Chef of Prime Steakhouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWAlmxeHVcHA1Trm7J3OBeG49bjLCd67UONaSrCHbno93U_ed4vGR5mmV0pDDLrTfFjyLoaIgF_g22neeM1g_2ABiihyphenhyphenLVp1HDrccIPwE8_nobb-OahDTwg3scK_gRoJRH81qZYrpSX-K/s1600/644749_10151399327810163_1876207101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWAlmxeHVcHA1Trm7J3OBeG49bjLCd67UONaSrCHbno93U_ed4vGR5mmV0pDDLrTfFjyLoaIgF_g22neeM1g_2ABiihyphenhyphenLVp1HDrccIPwE8_nobb-OahDTwg3scK_gRoJRH81qZYrpSX-K/s320/644749_10151399327810163_1876207101_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Atrium</td></tr>
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On Sunday unfortunately Kass started throwing up. A total 360 from the week before. :( As of today she had not been able to hold much food down. She even tried going to practice yesterday, but she threw up so much one of the grandmothers of one of the softball players was very concerned. So I had to go pick her up at the fields. I proceeded to give her IV fluid throughout the day, combined with decadron and zofran. By this morning she again threw up, but was glad that I had already had a scheduled appointment with Dr. Milne for Kassidy's monthly checkup that goes back to Burzynski.<br />
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I had given her Phenerghan and she had been able to sleep most of the morning, but as soon as we got in the car for the doctor's appointment she had bad nausea again. She popped another zofran. When we got in to speak to Dr. Milne she explained her symptoms. He immediately had her lay down on the table and learned that she had a hiatal hernia. This is when part of the stomach goes up the esophagus and it can be very painful and cause nausea, vomiting, etc. He had her take some deep breaths and pressed on her stomach and pulled down and immediately she felt relief. All she could say that was "that was weird". On the way home, she wanted to stop at Whole Foods for their organic food bar; what a great sign to be hungry. Poor girl had not been able to really eat for 2 days...... So thankful she's finally had relief!!!<br />
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We are just hoping she keeps feeling better for her big day on Friday. We are so excited to tell you all that this Friday, May 3rd, Kassidy will be put in to play part of the senior softball game against Rancho High School. This will be the first time in two years since she has actually set foot on the dirt for a real game. The game start at 3:30pm and would love if everyone cheering for Kass wears their Kassidy's Army shirt. ALL are invited! The softball fields are located right behind the track. Can't wait to see you all.<br />
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Also would like to mention a couple of fundraisers that are coming up for Kassidy:<br />
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<b><i>Saturday, May 4 - Texaco on the Corner of Centennial and Durango </i></b><br />
<b>We will have a booth selling Bulldawgopoly, Kassidy's Army Cookbooks, Bracelets and Shirts. If you would like to volunteer, please email us at kassidysarmy@live.com</b><br />
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<b><i>Saturday May 18 - Kassidy's Army Garage Sale</i></b><br />
<b>Currently taking donations, which are tax deductible by Hope 4 Lives. Please call 702-339-2415 to call for pick up.</b><br />
<b>Also if you would like to volunteer email us at kassidysarmy@live.com or hope4lives@gmail.com</b><br />
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<b><i>Saturday June 1 - Amica Triathlon Volunteers</i></b><br />
<b>Volunteers Needed, each volunteer will help raise funds for Kassidy's Army/Hope 4 Lives which 100% will go back to Kassidy.</b><br />
<b>You can sign up to volunteer at www.amicatriathlonvegas.com PLEASE NOTE: you are volunteering for Kassidy's Army</b><br />
<b>or email Mary Christensen for any questions at marychristensen@me.com</b><br />
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<b>Saturday November 2 - 3rd Annual </b><b>Kassidy's Army </b><b>5k Run & 1Mile Walk</b><br />
<b>More Information Coming Soon</b><br />
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<b>***** We would also love to do another golf tournament and a poker tournament ******</b><br />
<b>Looking for someone who can help organize these events. Please contact us at kassidysarmy@live.com</b><br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-92099985019576631602013-04-17T22:08:00.000-07:002013-04-17T22:08:10.660-07:00April 17, 2013It's been a very frustrating month for us. It truly has felt like when it rain it pours these couple of weeks. <br />
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A couple of weeks ago we got a letter from our insurance that the portion they have covered for the Burzynski Clinic for a year has now been denied and paid in error. That they never knew it was a clinical trial. My gosh!!!!!! What insurance partially pays for a treatment for a year and then retracts and wants all their money back? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!<br />
<br />
Our insurance about a year ago started paying for a portion of some of the Burzynski charges, but did not cover the year before of what we have paid out. We still were happy that some of the blunt of the financial burden was taken away from us at that time and we could breathe somewhat even though they were not paying 100%. But now our future hopes of that the insurance would cover more have been crushed.<br />
<br />
We immediately appealed to our insurance and provided all requested paperwork, but last week we learned that our appeal has been denied. Insurance feels that the clinical trial is not necessary because there is an acceptable treatment for this type of tumor, radiation; according to them. Little do they know that radiation does nothing for this type of tumor. UGH! I want to scream it in their faces!!<br />
So Ryan and I are working on getting help to deal with this huge bump in the road.<br />
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Kassidy's ANP dose on bag 1 is now 300ml. She's had a bit of trouble with this dose causing quite a bit of nausea. Almost every morning she has had to take zofran to go about the day. Strong smells immediately sent her into vomiting mode. She can't even ride the bus home from softball games because of the sweaty smells of the baseball & softball team combined. She was so bummed about this! But she still tries to make it to most games, she loves cheering and help coach her team on.<br />
<br />
This Monday, we had a game against Gorman HS and Kass was helping put softballs on the tee for batting practice before the game. Well, while she was doing so she started feeling sick and got up and moved over to throw up in one of her handy dandy vomit bags. At the same time she got a seering pain in between her eyes, right by her forehead. So bad, she started screaming and the girls and coaches came to her aid. She proceeded to black out and fell over. I got a call from coach Livreri a bit panicked so I immediately flew up to the school. <br />
<br />
When I got there, Kass looked much better according to all of them. We applied ice to her head and put her in the shade. I wanted to take her to the ER, but she said she felt much better and wanted to stay and watch the game. I throughly assessed her and she truly looked ok so I stayed with her just in case. After we got home again she got a big headache again so we gave her IV decadron and advil and it lessened it enough she could go to sleep. That next morning she stayed home from school because her headache was still at a 4. She woke up late and ate lunch, but seconds after her last bite she was running for the garbage. She proceeded to throw up all her lunch and again the seering pain. So bad again that she said she was gonna black out again. By then I'd had it.<br />
<br />
I called Houston and they suggested a Cat Scan or MRI. So I called her local oncologist to also get his opinion and help me set it up and get authorization thru insurance, since anything the Burzynski Clinic orders is not covered. The clinic here was hoping to get me in for a stat cat scan, but could not get me in till the next day. That evening when Ryan got home we talked it over and agreed that an MRI would be better since CAT scans give out radiation and she is due for an MRI here in the next month anyways. So this morning I called again and tried to have the clinic setup a STAT MRI, but the fastest Kass could be seen would be next Tuesday!!! WHAT!!!! It's so hard to believe that STAT means waiting days in this town. Unbelievable! I even asked my friend who works at Steinberg for help and unfortunately one of her magnets was down and she too could not help. So off to the ER we went.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA2LQ_l8tq1WJsb0w2mFGR5yf2mPmMEJ6VzRNC_Kwl_OQAKKC39-D01a-2hfKQDRjxofOtJR0Mog8DKO-VX9QcEKJxYXPwiKISBSNHRoJ2NJ6F7lvLRiV9-4QTfaz9MgWQSD-5lyTSsos/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA2LQ_l8tq1WJsb0w2mFGR5yf2mPmMEJ6VzRNC_Kwl_OQAKKC39-D01a-2hfKQDRjxofOtJR0Mog8DKO-VX9QcEKJxYXPwiKISBSNHRoJ2NJ6F7lvLRiV9-4QTfaz9MgWQSD-5lyTSsos/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our poor baby girl icing her head and getting fluids on Tuesday!</td></tr>
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I had been waiting all day from word from the insurance on authorization, then schedule, and then for my friend to help us; so Kass had been off treatment since 10am this morning and was not feeling well either. I was so frustrated by this afternoon that I decided I would just go to the ER, even though it is definitely not our favorite place to be. <br />
<br />
Results on MRI showed no edema (swelling) or brain bleed, but again they could not tell us exactly if there was growth. But something in their report raised concern in Ryan and I because it said mild enhancement on c3 of her spine. I don't remember ever having tumor that low on her spine. Again, we've got the cd to overnight to Houston, this time made sure I had both brain and cervical on the cd, but unfortunately by the time we got home Fedex is now closed. So the clinic will not get the cd till Friday.<br />
<br />
We really didn't get many answers tonight at the ER. Hoping in the next couple of days we do. On Monday we went to the endocrinologist to check on Kassidy's hormones, this week Kassidy's tumor was sent to Colorado for testing to see about the mutation of the V600e gene, on Saturday we finally get to do the sleep study. So hopefully all these tests soon give us something to go on.<br />
<br />
This mom is completely exhausted and I don't know how much more stress we can take. Please, please, please, keep us in your thoughts and prayers. <br />
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Here are some pics of fun things Kass got to experience the since last update:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELIlylY-w3QuXhDahli2A5SNDacOyFcgJBdaVKo8vYHgUWl3ztWFQ_a3YD0f1k-UsX8LGZ7wfEIHLmxAt79gtEQvQsZ4rYjsfVqT7uKO6mWimYxHaUMCtME-Lkr7cLPF5ULHSLSr5foTp/s1600/DSC_4069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELIlylY-w3QuXhDahli2A5SNDacOyFcgJBdaVKo8vYHgUWl3ztWFQ_a3YD0f1k-UsX8LGZ7wfEIHLmxAt79gtEQvQsZ4rYjsfVqT7uKO6mWimYxHaUMCtME-Lkr7cLPF5ULHSLSr5foTp/s320/DSC_4069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass at the Bowling Banquet Lettered for the 3rd year in a row.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvviNzVERq1tauQ7vSRNNJicxKRwRap_kqzWJjllrP-tJb_wljXYgVF-3dKYd6gwxQ_MEYJggFP9V6WZ8-WqAL-4_PLioj5-XVtbcopzpVM0-Dn-zub1rUwnduc6MfezPs0emhQ0EWf32/s1600/DSC_4095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvviNzVERq1tauQ7vSRNNJicxKRwRap_kqzWJjllrP-tJb_wljXYgVF-3dKYd6gwxQ_MEYJggFP9V6WZ8-WqAL-4_PLioj5-XVtbcopzpVM0-Dn-zub1rUwnduc6MfezPs0emhQ0EWf32/s320/DSC_4095.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Captain Plaque</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbrJTbulbXmcD1XW5gOiwdgMK9yJWQfv3Rwe2PRGyGqVI74TEvNH_ZdhF2A0yaWt8V5b23R7Ukgtoh_58HTNL6zAquBkj7DKubRmtBKbQaDVuWLalqqmzl8fOCxcyGn-geOaFtw047KTy/s1600/555092_440265562723670_1681439244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbrJTbulbXmcD1XW5gOiwdgMK9yJWQfv3Rwe2PRGyGqVI74TEvNH_ZdhF2A0yaWt8V5b23R7Ukgtoh_58HTNL6zAquBkj7DKubRmtBKbQaDVuWLalqqmzl8fOCxcyGn-geOaFtw047KTy/s320/555092_440265562723670_1681439244_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass and I got to go to Cali to cheer on Centennial Softball!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTexorHexkTRMr-VFd6xB5-Aau8xAgNEiPv56R7ktXcGX_qOTrSfy91FO6xamIhTxBjjlK-DY1EPmMOxj4_z-UbacV347u6YA9Kcxm7XM78oB3LIjRvUe_Lr7k3_b0-57gcN6H3yMVmu9/s1600/734282_440265679390325_315910143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTexorHexkTRMr-VFd6xB5-Aau8xAgNEiPv56R7ktXcGX_qOTrSfy91FO6xamIhTxBjjlK-DY1EPmMOxj4_z-UbacV347u6YA9Kcxm7XM78oB3LIjRvUe_Lr7k3_b0-57gcN6H3yMVmu9/s320/734282_440265679390325_315910143_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She felt so great there she even got to help coach warm up the girls.</td></tr>
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-43879061898947363602013-03-08T10:03:00.000-08:002013-03-08T10:04:27.976-08:00March 8, 2013VERY QUICK UPDATE!<br />
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Most of you know that we had to run with Kass to the ER on Monday, she called me from practice saying that she could not walk and was having trouble seeing. She was so upset on the phone I flew up to the high school. When I got there she was crying and was completely scared! Ryan had called the clinic and the doctor suggested we take her to the ER to make sure there was no brain bleed or edema.<br />
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At the hospital the doctor opted to do an MRI since she was due for one and the MRI would show everything we needed to see. Unfortunately, she was on treatment when we got there so we had to wait four hours before they could do the scan; so we hung till it was time for the scan. <br />
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The scan showed no brain bleed or edema. Thank goodness! Ryan had brought with him a copy of the last MRI we had done through Steinberg so they could compare because we were wondering if the tumor had grown. The radiologist could not compare scans because the last MRI was thru Steinberg and the hospital uses Desert Radiology. OH MY GOSH!!! So we got a copy of the cd so we could send via Fedex the next day.<br />
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On Wednesday I got a call from the Burzynski Clinic saying that the cd only had the MRI of the brain and was missing the upper cervical. AHHHHHHHHH! So I called the hospital and they sent the rest of the scan via Fedex as well. When I spoke to the doctor in Houston they said they would love to discuss the MRI and all of our questions in the appointment we had already made with Dr. Burzynski for today at 8am. What's another day, right!!! Hahahaha Ryan and I didn't sleep well last night.<br />
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Well, the MRI shows STABLE tumor in both the brain and upper cervical spine!!!!!!!!!!! Hooray! <br />
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Dr. B feels that clinically Kass is still doing very well. Her symptoms are not being caused by tumor growth which is such a relief for us. But the fact that they dissipate is a good sign. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what is causing her symptoms because her tumor is in such a vital part of the body. Any swelling or shifting in different parts of the brainstem can push against a certain nerve that controls that part of the body. Brainstem is as delicate as you can get!<br />
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At first, Dr. B felt that attacking the tumor at a high dose would break it down fast which it did at first, but then she tapered off. So now that it has been stable he wants to lower Kassidy's dose again to 330ml on bag 1 for 2 weeks and if she does well at that dose then lower it to 250ml. Then wait 8 weeks for an MRI. The goal is to lower it to 160ml where she has very few side effects, a "maintenance dose". At this dose, she would be able to rest better, function better and less stress on her body, but still maintain the tumor from growing and maybe after some time start breaking down.<br />
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He has seen that slow growing tumors like Kassidy's take longer to respond to treatment, versus an aggressive tumor that usually shows immediate response. He feels that Kassidy's tumor is going to take a while to treat. Not what we wanted to hear, but I am so glad he's always so frank with us. He did mention a patient he treated for 10 years at a maintenance dose and after a couple years the tumor started to slough off and eventually it almost went away. This was almost 25 years ago and the patient is still alive.<br />
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We know that ANP is a treatment, that has very few side effects compared to the others that are out there. So if this is what we have to do, then that's what we will do!!! Continue treatment! We trust Dr. Burzynski.<br />
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Plus, we are afraid that if she does stop treatment completely the FDA would not let Kass back on since right now they are not letting any new patients on the clinical trial. I pray that someday the FDA gets that his treatment is saving lives and that Dr. B is a genius and has found a cure for many without all the nastiness that come with chemo or radiation<br />
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Dr. B also said Kass will not need another PET scan unless she has significant tumor activity. Last PET scan showed no activity in Kassidy's tumor so unless she start showing signs that there is activity there is no reason to put her through that test again.<br />
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All in all, the backpack is not going away anytime soon! We are hoping that lowering her dose will allow for Kass to keep her tumor from growing or even become more aggressive which sometimes these tumor can do. That getting down to 160ml on bag 1 will allow and give her body a bit of a break and continue to do it's job without causing to much havoc.<br />
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The reality is that our journey may be a long one! I hope and pray that God gives all us strength and means to continue this hard battle as long as we need to. That Kassidy stays strong and motivated to continue to fight. <br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-18927361348238965622013-01-28T21:03:00.001-08:002013-01-28T21:03:06.568-08:00January 28, 2013<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE2oOzqXToxGjoTyyKd1126Rxpjofxuez7fXd45TWcqTaI8ZT8Oi1yYjocZNUq10YZX2IQFAPSBWVieOr91-XTS51ltm0qY2kxa42s9AjRx8Ru1piJjem3FR0gf_LHWWxFJ4O-JVIZcpS/s1600/Las_Vegas-20130123-00635-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE2oOzqXToxGjoTyyKd1126Rxpjofxuez7fXd45TWcqTaI8ZT8Oi1yYjocZNUq10YZX2IQFAPSBWVieOr91-XTS51ltm0qY2kxa42s9AjRx8Ru1piJjem3FR0gf_LHWWxFJ4O-JVIZcpS/s320/Las_Vegas-20130123-00635-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centennial 2013 Varsity Girls Bowling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NhVYu7WaO4nWTjK_-i-C6DkJY5tK6mPQjjX-OjzbrEE5iDi2K2dvEc0PSorMDj07KOdQubIhJ3es3FQpowKLkRvyuOWyg3MWyqVah7oX_HPy6R2NzpLvcp63GwynPc6wvzijm-HeRJOL/s1600/Las_Vegas-20130123-00634-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NhVYu7WaO4nWTjK_-i-C6DkJY5tK6mPQjjX-OjzbrEE5iDi2K2dvEc0PSorMDj07KOdQubIhJ3es3FQpowKLkRvyuOWyg3MWyqVah7oX_HPy6R2NzpLvcp63GwynPc6wvzijm-HeRJOL/s320/Las_Vegas-20130123-00634-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
Well, we are at 400 ml on Bag #1. Yeah! Success! We were able to reach the lower dose in 20 ml increments every day. Today, is the first day she hasn't felt exactly well, but it's not too bad. Thank goodness! We were afraid that it would be harder to wean like last time, but we were glad it wasn't so.<br />
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Now we stay on this dose for 6 to 8 weeks till next MRI! And hoping and praying that she has no growth and then we can go lower.<br />
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Kass had a bit of an accident last Wednesday at bowling practice. As she went to bowl for some odd reason her ball got stuck to her finger and since she was in the momentum she fell very hard on her right knee. Instead of calling me or coming home she stayed and watched the rest of practice.<br />
When she got home she immediately told me that she had fallen, we looked at her knee and it was already pretty swollen and had a big knot. We iced it all night off and on and gave her advil before bed.<br />
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The next morning, she woke up not being able to walk. She had hobbled over to Kyle's closet and grabbed his old crutches and was gonna try to go to school. SMH!!! Her leg was extremely swollen and in so much pain that I called the clinic for their opinion. It was so early in the morning that they instructed me to go to the ER since they are equipped with everything. We got to Summerlin hospital after finnagling her leg, crutches, and wheel chair in my little Camry. It was quite a funny site!<br />
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After a morning at the hospital, they did an x-ray which showed no fracture! YES! They gave her a schnazy knee brace to immobilize it and asked us to follow up with a pediatric ortho the next day. When we got home she said she wished she had a catheter, it was really hard for her to keep going from the bathroom to the couch. That night we opted to take her off treatment since it would allow for her to sleep thru the nite without to have getting up and rest her leg. She said it was the best rest she's had in awhile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdMHaZrf6dRDjV_jZSbUHvxGQiG7m7IUwRfaxgFn8pbqeYwlG3k6heNLIqc56-2xiNO8VAOAqRRKGZpfFOPrHOR20TEC9rSXjQFMR_WXUZiZc0Gssrm0wqcYMGPID5LMJRa5_Gywx6Owh/s1600/Las_Vegas-20130124-00636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdMHaZrf6dRDjV_jZSbUHvxGQiG7m7IUwRfaxgFn8pbqeYwlG3k6heNLIqc56-2xiNO8VAOAqRRKGZpfFOPrHOR20TEC9rSXjQFMR_WXUZiZc0Gssrm0wqcYMGPID5LMJRa5_Gywx6Owh/s320/Las_Vegas-20130124-00636.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brace!<br /></td></tr>
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The orthopedist confirmed no fracture, but could not tell if there was any ligament damage because her knee was still pretty swollen and painful. He asked us to come back in 2 and half weeks to check again and that he would prefer she stayed off her leg completely for a week.<br />
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This bummed Kass completely because Regional Playoffs for bowling start this Tuesday. It not only bummed Kass, but Ryan and I as well. The one sport she can do and now cannot take her team to playoffs. Ugh! We were all so disappointed.<br />
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She has not gone to school and has stayed off her leg pretty much all weekend long. Her leg seems to be much better and she has religiously kept icing and taking her anti-inflammatories. She has been able to walk without crutches since Sunday so we will see about tomorrow. She would like to try to play! It's her stubborn genes!! We are hoping and praying she can. So tomorrow we will be there to either support Bulldog Bowling or watch Kass bowl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNi6CV-QCZZCzVRGi71RgBpaHwXe5EzloPeP2zHQwbY5Mjx5BWzx9NCbgOr1OyFHvsOQW7SjPAIrxaWBGNL1RiCvLGiCZY7PhHlhFV0QJTGRjkKsA0mf-lMzsy1x3fGaSjsUI3C-_xnyG/s1600/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNi6CV-QCZZCzVRGi71RgBpaHwXe5EzloPeP2zHQwbY5Mjx5BWzx9NCbgOr1OyFHvsOQW7SjPAIrxaWBGNL1RiCvLGiCZY7PhHlhFV0QJTGRjkKsA0mf-lMzsy1x3fGaSjsUI3C-_xnyG/s320/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNLV Rebel Women's Basketball Team<br />Supporting Kassidy's Army<br />Thank You!</td></tr>
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-35874896472836639962013-01-22T21:18:00.001-08:002013-01-22T21:18:50.097-08:00January 22, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5blQMz3kTlxps2Ay83l4MPnuLl36Jo1bLqCiMl_6fzYA6Z-jh7bNNNhLwXj08eTmr0bOhXZ9qLZNfMBCuSV7khqcQUhhLaY6aniFrMaVETwWobweaDc0bfzQ33VSiMB_1K6MY_chtZcg/s1600/proverbs3_5_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5blQMz3kTlxps2Ay83l4MPnuLl36Jo1bLqCiMl_6fzYA6Z-jh7bNNNhLwXj08eTmr0bOhXZ9qLZNfMBCuSV7khqcQUhhLaY6aniFrMaVETwWobweaDc0bfzQ33VSiMB_1K6MY_chtZcg/s320/proverbs3_5_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, Kass did great during the actual MRI. She took a phenergan about an hour before the scan and she felt pretty good throughout the whole test; she slept thru it. After the test she wanted to come home and eat, which is always a great sign and especially when she doesn't throw it up.<br />
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So I woke up today feeling a nice sweet calm, it was sure a welcomed feeling. I believe God was telling me it was going to be allright. Waiting for MRI results never gives us a warm fuzzy feeling. So much is riding in one sole test. It's crazy!<br />
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The MRI came back stable! Yes! I'm not gonna lie, with all the symptoms Kassidy has been having lately we were afraid we had growth, but we didn't!!! Praise God!!<br />
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As of tomorrow, we got the go ahead to start weaning Kassidy of Bag #1 from 500ml to 400ml, we will again do it little by little as to not cause too much havoc with her system. Dr. Burzynski wants her to only go down to 400ml and then wait 6 to 8 weeks and do another MRI to make sure that the tumor has not grown and is stable, then at that time if it's stable we can lower it to 330ml. He wants to be cautious since last time we tried to wean her tumor grew14%.<br />
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Also, he says her new symptoms do not correlate with a stable tumor so he would like us to investigate further with the eye specialist, endocrinologist, etc. He does say maybe some of the symptoms could be hormone related or even steroid related.<br />
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Next scan we will also have a teleconference with Dr. Burzynski so we can discuss how much longer Kassidy will be on ANP. This is exciting for Kassidy, she had a great day and so did we.<br />
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We also found out today that Kass made January student athlete of the month at Centennial High School for bowling and she also made top 16 in the division to go compete individually in a elite state tournament. How cool is that! We are so proud of her and her accomplishments. Our true hero!<br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-91675486272360711392013-01-18T02:45:00.001-08:002013-01-18T02:46:59.788-08:00January 17, 2013<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Mid December, we finally had to order a wheel chair for Kassidy. That was one of the hardest days for me. I called the nurse at the oncologist office and couldn't even speak, so I had to call back and was glad to get her voicemail, I left her a message with the best composed voice I could muster at that moment. After the call, all I could do was sob in my car as I drove to one of her bowling matches and then came the anger.</div>
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I was angry because we can see that her body is deteriorating and that she cannot do the things she wants to do. Her legs are getting to where they hurt and swell after a long week at school and she's getting where she cannot walk long distances. </div>
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That same day when I got to her bowling match she pleasantly surprised me by bowling one of her best games. She bowled her first 200 game!!!!!! I immediately forgot why I was mad and couldn't be happier for her. She was so excited! And I was thankful to God that I could be there to witness it.</div>
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Our moment of triumph ended quite quickly after we got home and had dinner and she proceeded to throw up everything she had eaten. Dammit! The tumor reared it's ugly head. But even an episode of vomiting couldn't stop her happiness, she was still so proud of herself for her bowling such a great game and so were we. It put it all in perspective the rest of the evening........</div>
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That next week she was so excited cause Kyle was coming home from college and the day after that my family from Panama was coming for Christmas and New Years. She loves having her brother home, she truly misses him. And we haven't seen my family over a year so we were all excited to have everyone together for the holidays.</div>
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That Saturday after Kyle came home, a friend of ours had gotten us tickets to the Maaco Bowl football game where Boise State vs Washington were playing here in Las Vegas. Kass was excited to spend time with her brother, but that morning she woke up with the most horrible migraine she's ever had. She was in tears! For Kass to cry in pain is very rare; we knew at that time it had to be bad. We spent the morning icing and massaging her head, administered a dose of IV steroid, gave her some advil, and even used our new pain MVT (micro vibration therapy) device. The combination of all these made so the headache was bearable. We asked her if she just wanted to stay home, but she said that the tumor would not ruin her plans. So she grabbed her warm Boise gear and headed out the door with Ryan, Kyle, and Kaela. She had a great time! So glad!!! Sigh!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Broncos!</td></tr>
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We had such a great time for Christmas . Our home was full of family from Panama and Utah, we could not asked for a better way to spend the holidays. After Christmas, our whole family took an amazing trip to Sea World, exploring San Diego, Disneyland, Santa Monica, and LA. The previous six years our family had always opted to go on a family trip instead of buying gifts for Christmas. It was actually an idea that Kyle and Kassidy had come up with years ago. Ryan and I loved the idea of eliminating the craziness of buying the right present for each other and instead making memories, they usually last longer. Over the years, it has made Christmas a bit less stressful and truly more enjoyable and we have had the chance to go to some great places, but of course now it's a little harder with all of Kassidy's medical bills. We are so thankful to my aunt and uncle for gifting us such a great trip this year. We are truly grateful to them!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family at Bellagio Christmas Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDSmmpnnrF7ZhFtL2bjYgBj9s9kH6cb7GX0MV_OsoQchJlAZDkT8lGIyKYulX3gLkiZl7NhUp8x9SK9tpVvT__-GG45dwVikw-_fhP5-HnoyI9LcYkIfidyTE8DVspzq5iFg1f_qVojAk/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDSmmpnnrF7ZhFtL2bjYgBj9s9kH6cb7GX0MV_OsoQchJlAZDkT8lGIyKYulX3gLkiZl7NhUp8x9SK9tpVvT__-GG45dwVikw-_fhP5-HnoyI9LcYkIfidyTE8DVspzq5iFg1f_qVojAk/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea World!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk6mT9H3SPTwT_pt_VsGr45Xb0B0dh12y53xxSAH2b8awbjVgA9qwCqqsA3FhwokW7vYmXH2VprOu0YqiSmY5A7GKaJiHj3N52-HPTBvnR0KM_jzm4t1KnvgX4Ih6ZTpJt7uh50SKtefs/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk6mT9H3SPTwT_pt_VsGr45Xb0B0dh12y53xxSAH2b8awbjVgA9qwCqqsA3FhwokW7vYmXH2VprOu0YqiSmY5A7GKaJiHj3N52-HPTBvnR0KM_jzm4t1KnvgX4Ih6ZTpJt7uh50SKtefs/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass and Kyle trying their luck at ring toss</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzs6RtG6EDGcyIlyvf2PD9k-8OTBDaLAyABBif_UR6z5pFYJWiEeCd5a9ek6Cm3lRDsKjyBwUrrC2Kq6KHSD1JK7-bmwiEUoFNHvj-NYSnUPzWIDtU_gproUGE4gQgcvZb8_LE4wbkEUk/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzs6RtG6EDGcyIlyvf2PD9k-8OTBDaLAyABBif_UR6z5pFYJWiEeCd5a9ek6Cm3lRDsKjyBwUrrC2Kq6KHSD1JK7-bmwiEUoFNHvj-NYSnUPzWIDtU_gproUGE4gQgcvZb8_LE4wbkEUk/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disneyland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESTsMY2DQAM7BxzOgxn5_f4MnKyByhFMvV2cN4p5W5P_jOqrfRyh02qs97ASnSK7sUPjZFDjLLtcLa1Iq-QndLxsI4xOUZBgBhGiik-VVuCDCCWE9eE9zNsvtXHjmbFjRt7d1WXRgBqNz/s1600/DSC_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESTsMY2DQAM7BxzOgxn5_f4MnKyByhFMvV2cN4p5W5P_jOqrfRyh02qs97ASnSK7sUPjZFDjLLtcLa1Iq-QndLxsI4xOUZBgBhGiik-VVuCDCCWE9eE9zNsvtXHjmbFjRt7d1WXRgBqNz/s320/DSC_0483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Years Eve at Downtown Disney's Jazz Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZN5WwjfICOtN8p2X2IDKvp47E2-VtwB778cL3WskcRAzu_osj7oDyHDn1VVDC6q9mLgQtyydpVGduCNpiA_GXtE5P0s67dUDqhzuLRVuSyxG1Cm_MPnSXJxwGSqyop_hKJavRpSjxP_q/s1600/DSC_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZN5WwjfICOtN8p2X2IDKvp47E2-VtwB778cL3WskcRAzu_osj7oDyHDn1VVDC6q9mLgQtyydpVGduCNpiA_GXtE5P0s67dUDqhzuLRVuSyxG1Cm_MPnSXJxwGSqyop_hKJavRpSjxP_q/s320/DSC_0644.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Mann Theater</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9QZd5kBqulUFcpV_io5aomphpbJU-3vXVvAZfUALGAv4XqzOqe09bwna__NJ9u8ZDuWTzL5gtzS5l1NhkgBA3mT7lww7m33oRKgmtcOcJIAxjxQquxPEg-V2IBRIzGFULdWjVspfXlsE/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9QZd5kBqulUFcpV_io5aomphpbJU-3vXVvAZfUALGAv4XqzOqe09bwna__NJ9u8ZDuWTzL5gtzS5l1NhkgBA3mT7lww7m33oRKgmtcOcJIAxjxQquxPEg-V2IBRIzGFULdWjVspfXlsE/s320/DSC_0536.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Monica</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0gUvbfCQ4FfoFyavdFepkOOmAox8Luj6SL1CakJMzzs2daUErSDzcsFCI-3uBzm9KzpwCoqzLLVQnbuuU6XgXKmQ87NYbf08GsmDZlVolkH2acDs6zJ00lO-rVsAllYxiHP4rgWe1pQC/s1600/DSC_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0gUvbfCQ4FfoFyavdFepkOOmAox8Luj6SL1CakJMzzs2daUErSDzcsFCI-3uBzm9KzpwCoqzLLVQnbuuU6XgXKmQ87NYbf08GsmDZlVolkH2acDs6zJ00lO-rVsAllYxiHP4rgWe1pQC/s320/DSC_0664.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cars Land</td></tr>
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After we were back to real life and the family was all gone, it ended being a very hard week for all of us. Through this cancer journey you get to meet other parents and children going thru childhood cancer. We keep in contact, console each other, ask each others opinions, keep up with each other stories and struggles. Well, that week we lost three children who had been courageously fighting; Amelia who was fighting a DIPG brain stem tumor, Chris who was fighting an ependymoma brain tumor, and Micah, fighting a brain stem ganglioglioma (same tumor as Kass). We were devastated to hear the news of all three passing all in the same week. I could not imagine the pain these parents feel, the emptiness that's left in their lives. My heart, my prayers, my deepest sympathy goes out to each of them. I hope God can heal their hearts from such a big loss.</div>
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Also, that same week Kass was having more troubles with saliva issues where she has been choking more while sleeping, more pain in her extremities, more nausea and her right eye has been doing funny things; all this freaks us out and makes me think that the tumor is growing. Of course right before our MRI next Monday the 21st to give us more anxiety. Ahhhhhh! </div>
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Meanwhile, also Michael who is fighting medulla blastoma and Easton, Bishop, and even Amber who too have the same diagnosis were struggling as well with oxygen problems, seizures, migraines. It's so hard living in fear for your children's life!!! Sometimes feeling helpless for your own child and those of others going thru the same struggles. I say it's not fair!!! Times like these is when I ask God to please help me believe that our children's struggles are not in vain and to give us strength to keep putting a foot in front of the other everyday no matter what the day brings.</div>
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This week and next week we have all kinds of doctors appointment for Kass. We would like her eyes checked, her monthly checkup done, MRI completed, chiropractor and be seen by her local oncologist. We believe it's imperative to do a sleep study to make sure Kassidy's level of oxygen are not dropping too low at night because of her swallowing and saliva problems. Hopefully we can talk the insurance into believing the same. Also, Kass will be seeing the eye specialist to take a look at the back of the eye to check the problem we are seeing with the eye and of course the dreaded MRI to check on the tumor itself.</div>
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We are hoping and praying for some good news this next week. Kass reminded me that if she has stable tumor she would like to start her weaning from the medication. I hope we can do that soon too. We are crossing our fingers!</div>
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Will keep you posted on MRI results! Prayers please!</div>
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ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-40966664998137100112012-12-14T02:07:00.000-08:002012-12-14T02:07:28.751-08:00December 13, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another sleepless night for me.... I don't like it because it makes my mind wander to places I don't want to go, things I don't have answers to nor want to deal with. But it's what a mother does, Worry! So I'm up putting my thoughts in writing to update you all.</div>
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I first want to start by telling you that Australia was AMAZING!!!!!!<br />
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Yes, yes I worried myself sick before the trip, but the actual day of our trip I put my trust in God. I pleaded with him to let Kass rest and not be sick the whole trip. That she could recover from the long ride and be able to enjoy her vacation. He listened! Sigh! We could have not been more thankful to him for the gift.<br />
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Kass decided the night before she did not want to be on treatment while in the air. She did not want to deal with pump issues, pack the backpack around, have to go to the bathroom every couple of minutes since she drinks so much water while she's being infused because of the high sodium content of the medicine and she also did not want us to deal with IV bag changes on the airplane. Ryan and I timed her doses so she would end one of her doses right before we left for Vegas to LAX and it would resume during our layover there and end again right before lift off from LAX to Sydney. About 2 hours into the flight she took a full dose of phenergan. We were lucky to have an empty seat between us so she stretched out and slept and slept and slept. She slept for pretty much 11 hours straight. What a relief!<br />
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When we got to Sydney after our crazy 14 hours flight. Wow, what a long flight! Ryan prepared her medicine and got her back on treatment before we even went thru customs. She was back on track! We picked up our rental and commenced our adventure! Mind you, driving on the wrong side with a car with a steering wheel on the passenger side. Wooooo that was scary for all of us, but fun. LOL<br />
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We checked into our condo hotel and went out to explore Darling Harbour that was just walking distance away. After, a great meal we actually went back to the hotel and let Kassidy rest for the remainder of the day. I brought hydration IV bags with me and in between treatment got her hydrated and she slept and slept and slept till the next day.<br />
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We woke up to a welcome call from a representative from Make A Wish Australia. She was darling in her cute Australian accent and she pleasantly went over the itinerary with us and asked us to call her if we needed anything. She first helped us getting us to the right spot to go get Kassidy's blood taken to the routine blood test we have to do every week. She found a children's hospital that bent over backwards to run the test for us and did not even charge us. What a great start to our trip!<br />
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During the rest of the time we traveled and saw beautiful places. Sydney is a gorgeous thriving city and very clean. The people were so polite and helpful.<br />
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Here is the link to the youtube video that I made up of most all of the pictures we took of the trip, it tells the story of everything we did.<br />
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Check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/Um7e3gNNYMg">http://youtu.be/Um7e3gNNYMg</a><br />
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I think my favorite part of the trip was when Kass got to pet all the animals at the Wildlife Park especially the Joey(baby kangaroo). I can't tell you how emotional it was for me to watch her interact with all the animals. We were there with a big tour group and all the animals would either come right up to Kass and no one else. Not only that, but they would sit still and let her pet them. It was almost like they knew...... <br />
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One of the zoo keepers brought the little Joey wrapped in a pack that simulated the momma's pouch, he was so excited and fidgety in the zoo keeper's arms and when she handed her to Kass this cute baby kangaroo settled into Kassidy's arms like he was home. Not only that, but looked at her so lovingly I was in love.<br />
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I am so thankful to the Make A Wish Foundation for such a precious gift. The trip was fabulous and being able to share Kassidy's wish with the whole family was a true blessing. It renewed us as a family and we made some great memories we will never forget. We will forever be grateful to the organization and especially our wish granters; Justin & Barbara, they volunteer their own time to do this for children all over Las Vegas. How great is that!<br />
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We would like to keep giving back to Make A Wish and help other children with their wishes. That's why again this year we have registered a Kassidy's Army team for the 12th Annual Run for a Wish and Walk. PLEASE come run or walk with us and show your support for these children!!!!!!!! Also let Make A Wish of Southern Nevada know that Kassidy's Army supports their program 100%. It is only $20 for the run and $15 for the walk.<br />
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COME Join our Team!<br />
<a href="http://runforawish.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1042867&lis=1&kntae1042867=BFC30C5429644106BDFF8DE8C50E2130&supId=0&team=5347512&cj=Y">http://runforawish.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1042867&lis=1&kntae1042867=BFC30C5429644106BDFF8DE8C50E2130&supId=0&team=5347512&cj=Y</a><br />
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When we got home on Sunday morning after our trip Kass pretty much came home, ate and was in bed again. She wanted to get rest so she could go to school the next day since it was her first bowling match and not let her team down. Right before we left for Australia she had found out that she had made captain of the Centennial Girls Varsity Bowling Team, so proud of her. She takes leadership and especially her practices and games pretty seriously. She does not like to miss especially when others are relying on her. I admire that about her.<br />
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She had two matches back to back that week and by Tuesday evening she was exhausted and in pain. Her legs were so swollen and painful that she could not walk. She also developed red looking bruisea like nodules around her legs, Ryan and I were so scared especially since elevating them that night and advil did not help by the next day. I was advised by the nurse at the Burzynski Clinic to take Kass for a Doppler Ultrasound to make sure she had not developed blood clots from the long airplane ride. We were panicked, blood clots are not good and blood thiners are not great for brain tumor patients. We took her to Steinberg and got results right away that her legs were clear, that week we kept her home 2 days from school to let the swelling of her legs subside and just let her rest. Thank you God for a clear ultrasound!<br />
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I truly think she tried to do too much too soon after our trip. I know we were exhausted still, but she is one strong headed stubborn girl and when she gets something in her mind, she's full speed ahead. I do think sometimes it's the only way she learns her limitations.<br />
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This week she gaves us another scare. She woke up from her morning nap feeling really shaky, a bit disoriented and would not walk straight. I immediately called my neighbor to ask for help working our new glucose meter since they have a child that has type 1 diabetes. He came over and helped me work the small apparatus and her blood glucose was at a 37!!!!!!! My gosh, almost at coma level! He was wondering how Kass was even standing. I learned at that time what to give her to eat and drink to raise it quick. This has happened once before, but the glucose level was not that low. The doctor is not quite sure why this happened, we will just have to keep a closer eye on this issue to make sure it does not worsen. It could just be a fluke! I hope.<br />
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We have also been talking about Kassidy's ANP treatment. Kassidy at this time feels she needs a break. So when she has her next MRI in the end of January and if the results are stable she would like to start weaning herself off her treatment again. Ryan and I understand her concerns and don't blame her. I cringe every time I have to clean her port and she winces because I am putting alcohol on an open wound every time. I can't imagine the pain she feels every time I do that. I know that her body is tired and she would love to get a nights sleep without getting up every hour to go to the bathroom. I know she hates the fact that the 80 pounds she has gained because of the steroids has taken a toll on her body and image as a teenager. It's been a long year and half for her.<br />
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I know that we made the right decision taking Kass to Dr. Burzynski, we would not change that for the world. ANP treatment reduced Kassidy's tumor by 20% at the beginning, but her tumor has not reduced more in a little bit over a year. We have learned that just because any specified cancer treatment is used for a certain type of cancer it works different on everyone. Everyone is different, our genes our different, therefore everyone's cancer is unique. We are hoping to discuss options with Dr. B soon and see what's in store for Kassidy's treatment future. Right now, we'd like to focus on today and at the end of January when decisions will need to be made I ask that you remember us in prayer. I hope that God continues to guide us on what the next step is for our Kass. I know I worry everyday, but the ultimate will is God's. He has shows us the way thus far and I trust that he will show us the way then. Meanwhile, we help Kassidy in her fight!<br />
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NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1SyMUbCKEAxwLbZyP5StZTfLyXiLKyfqs10WrItpo7NclSafdhpi7oMhTNhKAa1V2_o3FbvogI5emYNtFDq1_RTZ6UQ4S-oKip2Pdw0ctZ0TsdvmVcv7nwFdnOCW7kWBLijQQFPGiMLI/s1600/2012xmaspic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1SyMUbCKEAxwLbZyP5StZTfLyXiLKyfqs10WrItpo7NclSafdhpi7oMhTNhKAa1V2_o3FbvogI5emYNtFDq1_RTZ6UQ4S-oKip2Pdw0ctZ0TsdvmVcv7nwFdnOCW7kWBLijQQFPGiMLI/s320/2012xmaspic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR<br />FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS</td></tr>
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I hope all you have a wonderful Holiday Season. Make it about what is truly important, family. <br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-76113372666984150472012-11-15T00:00:00.002-08:002012-11-15T14:00:52.150-08:00November 14, 2012We finally have MRI results today, Wednesday, after a crazy Tuesday, brain tumor is stable! No enhancement and no change in tumor size. Thank you Heavenly Father!<br />
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On Monday after the MRI we sent the cd via Fedex to the Burzynski Clinic, as we always do. That next morning I got an email from our doctor explaining that the cd was missing the spine MRI, that all that was on the cd was the brain MRI with and without contrast. Unfortunately, some of Kassidy's tumor is in the upper part of the cervical spine and by just looking at the brain MRI it would be unfair to give a complete reading; therefore deemed the test incomplete. I freaked out! All I could think of was they missed doing the test! She has to do it again! NO!!!!! My stomach notted up and I wanted to throw up.<br />
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I immediately called Steinberg to make sure the test was done. It was! Big whewwww! I then got annoyed because after Kassidy's scan on Monday we were asked to go up front to request a cd to be made for our copy where we usually just get it from our radiologist right after in 10 minutes. We sat and waited for 35 minutes with Kass feeling terrible. All she wanted to do was go home. Ryan finally got up to ask why it was taking so long and they had forgotten about us. Oh my gosh! In our desperation in getting out the place not only because of the cd fiasco but because it was the exact same location where Kassidy's tumor was first found on May 2011 (bad memories) we did not examine the cd to make sure all the scans were on it. We assumed that they just would be on it. Ugh! Another learning experience for the future.....<br />
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After confirming that Kass had had the MRI of the spine after all, I asked the lady if there was a way an out of town doctor could view the scans thru an online website or program. She said YES!!! Halleluyah! Why didn't I know about this before! I immediately went into action with the help of a friend that works at Steinberg to help me get the clinic setup with the program, login, password, but of course it was almost closing time in Texas. Dr. A also meanwhile requested cds to be overnighted with the correct scans on it just in case the IT department and the clinic couldn't get all the problems figured out with the program. <br />
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It ended being this morning before everything was finalized, but low and behold the radiologist at the clinic in Houston was able to pull all the scans up. Success!!! Glad that's over, it will pave the road for future scans to be read almost real time. Great news!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1C2tibSdprz6D2FCh1danoVqHea6AWgwcW_wiQJl1wW8AsO2JoD5BJUbxQAzpZe0jFFiYDn-P3Umr580j0h8T16EAUGqrj4GCt_jv9KaZ1sg10gdFE9MwE4vVACEIUniryCFPPHFBaT2/s1600/101_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1C2tibSdprz6D2FCh1danoVqHea6AWgwcW_wiQJl1wW8AsO2JoD5BJUbxQAzpZe0jFFiYDn-P3Umr580j0h8T16EAUGqrj4GCt_jv9KaZ1sg10gdFE9MwE4vVACEIUniryCFPPHFBaT2/s320/101_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lala always knows when Kass needs loving.</td></tr>
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Funny how God works, in what I thought was disaster at that moment there was something better in store for us. Thanks again Heavenly Father for showing me that things happen for reasons, sometimes circumstances that we might not understand at the time, are to teach me patience and that things will workout on your own terms. I'm humbled! And thankful for friends that stepped up to help. We are truly blessed that way.<br />
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Thank you to all for keeping Kass in your prayers, I know I say this almost everytime, but I truly am thankful and I think if we keep knocking on God's door maybe he will hear us. I want him to heal our Kassidy, I want my daughter whole again!<br />
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Monday, Dr. Burzynski will be reviewing Kassidy's scans to give his opinion to see if we continue on the same dose or increase. We are also wondering how long he thinks Kass will be on ANP if she keeps getting a stable scan. Does having stable scans since last October mean she has stop responding to treatment? Praying for guidance!!!<br />
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Tonight we ended the night with a fabulous dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Kassidy's Make a Wish granters took us out to dinner to present Kass with the itinerary of her wish, the Australia trip. She is so excited to go!!!!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with Make a Wish granters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Itinerary!</td></tr>
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Ryan and I are a stressing a bit about the flight from LAX to Sydney, 14 long hours. We are gonna try to keep her on treatment, but not sure if we will be able to. The pump cannot be on for takeoff and touchdown, but also while she's on treatment she drinks so much water and will require to be getting up every 30 minutes, and also while you are a high altitude the medicine bags fill with air which could be deadly if a big enough air bubble goes into her broviach line into her artery. So with all these concerns, I ask that you keep her in your prayers Saturday evening. If we cannot keep her in treatment we will have to give her a double dose of phenerghan and knock her out for the flight, we do not want her throwing up the whole time!<br />
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Can't wait to share stories and pictures when our return from Australia. Stay tuned!<br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-58463569851787120192012-11-13T11:58:00.000-08:002012-11-13T13:11:45.762-08:00November 13, 2012Sitting here laying awake with a mind that is racing and a bit overwhelmed by everything. I must say I am tired. I truly feel that I have aged 20 years in the last year and half. I ask myself why us??? But as my friend Missy whose son is fighting too says; "Why not us". <br />
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Kassidy is practically done with half of her senior year already. She continues to receive emails and letters from softball coaches which breaks my heart, but my daughter will not be pursuing her goal of playing college softball this next year. I am so sad she's had to give up so much in the last year. Cancer has done that! I hate you Cancer! So not fair! But Kassidy accepts all her circumstances so much better than we do, but again she is WAY stronger than we are.<br />
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Fortunately, Kass has gotten a chance to do some pretty cool things in the last couple of months. In September, she was invited by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Association Ride for Kids to ride as one of the star kids. This ride is done every year to raise money for research and scholarships for kids fighting brain tumors. A couple hundred riders showed up to support the ride and they rode down the 215 which was shut down just for them all the way to Town Square Mall. Kass had a great time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIhiuzLRUz-crXS930bzkhzrWU8r_g1vagtFPim8ooDXOwIC2Mp1nJfyEUeFYUYfsml2_YNNaLjwCilaB6FblO9DwzbnuDJ1j2FXj7il66OCdDKrIjjVcjVSz0xixfaMBTsM2Ok5oXeKx/s1600/104_4041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIhiuzLRUz-crXS930bzkhzrWU8r_g1vagtFPim8ooDXOwIC2Mp1nJfyEUeFYUYfsml2_YNNaLjwCilaB6FblO9DwzbnuDJ1j2FXj7il66OCdDKrIjjVcjVSz0xixfaMBTsM2Ok5oXeKx/s320/104_4041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass got to check off her bucket list: Riding in a Side Car!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Oh5UzmNWuE5WgftHz0yKPVci31qDX6JGpbmmOcPe8DKBtt6MgO5rpQdAfTHceYMW5vUs8unj18MkP0nzu8yFb7EbbP_tRMo8unWvVPreHes13Dret89kauBAVH50xXEttHrRB54PCmtu/s1600/104_4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Oh5UzmNWuE5WgftHz0yKPVci31qDX6JGpbmmOcPe8DKBtt6MgO5rpQdAfTHceYMW5vUs8unj18MkP0nzu8yFb7EbbP_tRMo8unWvVPreHes13Dret89kauBAVH50xXEttHrRB54PCmtu/s320/104_4044.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2VGuV7D3N28B2LuhG9DvuTMt4fbH9EAl16Chz-rKYNz7rB54pVKtQxmmz_zMF47tg9XyXUH5f34qG0pWaTcNSJtWjM2HeYVWC6LQWM2Jte_HA0jNsgljkNjMS4QMNTGg-9mJggVHIhO2/s1600/104_4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2VGuV7D3N28B2LuhG9DvuTMt4fbH9EAl16Chz-rKYNz7rB54pVKtQxmmz_zMF47tg9XyXUH5f34qG0pWaTcNSJtWjM2HeYVWC6LQWM2Jte_HA0jNsgljkNjMS4QMNTGg-9mJggVHIhO2/s320/104_4046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was all worth that smile!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTl8pOAtYL9_H18A-dqszhtRRsNY7unBxwGH2OzQjBbxDRlnySV-53_w5E0hG8NVGTHMuPV43n8o2fdLNU0oWdkYPIZTEcsl1VMLf_NhvnynZNLAjnyFy3s0_4EK8IblOv1Tg09kxJYbY/s1600/104_4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTl8pOAtYL9_H18A-dqszhtRRsNY7unBxwGH2OzQjBbxDRlnySV-53_w5E0hG8NVGTHMuPV43n8o2fdLNU0oWdkYPIZTEcsl1VMLf_NhvnynZNLAjnyFy3s0_4EK8IblOv1Tg09kxJYbY/s320/104_4053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each kid was interviewed after the Ride!</td></tr>
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The beginning October was Kassidy's fundraiser, Ride for Life, this was a motorcycle Poker Run that was held by the Nevada Childhood Cancer to raise money for Kass and for NCCF. Ryan and Kassidy attended while I visited and watched Kyle run in Boise that weekend. To my surprise she felt fabulous that day which was great to hear since she had been throwing up days before off and on most likely from brain swelling. We had been administering a dose of IV decadron only when she absolutely needs it which seems to be working. She refuses to take it every day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDXLYwAZKYAJaSqpdJPhU2LvL7IiPM-63z0T3mTUAaVr_cDfbYLEvRnxHB4XjoODajGstgACNFG_zivl9xSFjuqVzE1Umrl2YIff1igQYIg1r_WF-j7Q8oeGPSjLnIATKn6EfApKsrokg/s1600/img316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDXLYwAZKYAJaSqpdJPhU2LvL7IiPM-63z0T3mTUAaVr_cDfbYLEvRnxHB4XjoODajGstgACNFG_zivl9xSFjuqVzE1Umrl2YIff1igQYIg1r_WF-j7Q8oeGPSjLnIATKn6EfApKsrokg/s320/img316.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Stop for the Poker Run!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjInhUZsgnCP5KI5VW5oAGNZfsRizcrV3KDQx-PtggkOWLLxhBGPLu2E9gJ4IePZFzhuqhtL1YoYR5e2xww-Aj4Y7pOEpMQgUKJNssnMieQS6QYIRK9Ryxj4783ter1Y-DCRxP-dgElOhs/s1600/420489_428502667198111_1808412023_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjInhUZsgnCP5KI5VW5oAGNZfsRizcrV3KDQx-PtggkOWLLxhBGPLu2E9gJ4IePZFzhuqhtL1YoYR5e2xww-Aj4Y7pOEpMQgUKJNssnMieQS6QYIRK9Ryxj4783ter1Y-DCRxP-dgElOhs/s320/420489_428502667198111_1808412023_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS & PARTICIPANTS!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpa0UhBNrFwxgdNbHrlptmldvrNs-nMjhQVa9XGUBAjuuMTx8Biut1DzvyFroT7uiTQugXs9VcPR0EPc_V-OwEpo-gO7q-RYBY1ia4ELGpbPCIJXB2KuQekseJ6jhNuiZ7eLs5V3OpegB/s1600/104_4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpa0UhBNrFwxgdNbHrlptmldvrNs-nMjhQVa9XGUBAjuuMTx8Biut1DzvyFroT7uiTQugXs9VcPR0EPc_V-OwEpo-gO7q-RYBY1ia4ELGpbPCIJXB2KuQekseJ6jhNuiZ7eLs5V3OpegB/s320/104_4073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass with a look a like Kiss guy at the fundraiser.</td></tr>
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A while ago I reached out to Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, this foundation pairs up children fighting brain tumors with athletic teams to give the child support and friendship. Sports are right up Kassidy's alley! Well, the UNLV Rebels Women's Basketball team decided they would adopt Kassidy as part of their team this season through this program. We were invited to go watch them practice, meet the players and coaches and had a tour of the new facilities at Mendenhall. Not only that, but Kass got to go back for the Season Opener Game to sit courtside and watch them play an amazing game against UCSB Athletics. Right after their win and huddle cheer each girl came and gave Kass a hug. What a great group of young ladies. She throughly enjoyed it and can't wait to be back! Especially since next year she's probably gonna be a UNLV Rebel herself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzv-qOPjab0D3aWHYbfuoLKZ7uV2_iYnkTzfUJSg4EqgxON1ct0U1RvFo534yh9DiYM9s00ZA9oJdXL8vlHSB1ZJUyn4zUylY1kK9BOEQ-SCq-jqero2hP31CdMss48SWv1YyzCCFdOp2/s1600/47501_10151245635975708_178600180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzv-qOPjab0D3aWHYbfuoLKZ7uV2_iYnkTzfUJSg4EqgxON1ct0U1RvFo534yh9DiYM9s00ZA9oJdXL8vlHSB1ZJUyn4zUylY1kK9BOEQ-SCq-jqero2hP31CdMss48SWv1YyzCCFdOp2/s320/47501_10151245635975708_178600180_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass & the Rebels Women's Basketball Team! Go Rebels!!!</td></tr>
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This year again, Kass got to go to homecoming. I was elated since that would mean I would have to play dressup with my non-dress wearing daughter. Shopping for a dress was definitely not fun for her, it never has been, but this year it was really hard for her. After attempting to try on dresses at two places in the mall I decided to x the whole expedition. It was not worth making Kass sad. So we came home and I took her measurements and we ordered a dress online to measure. Best thing I could have done, the dress arrived a week before the dance and it fit perfectly. She even wore the dress without wearing basketball pants under them. LOL! She looked beautiful and had such a fun time with her friends. Our friend Amy Lynn took some beautiful pictures that day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMxkZJhOWN2iE3cC-YgCgwdwFGycZ3inUwu6pZrgbPQBeC9eiXuPuaHGK8rJIwHwNJ4AojjzWF3jP0Kyo9SFCy60mWiXGcDHFv6HkV998st6TUMyQILNXcRJ9P1LuTTHdi87ieRYkg3n5/s1600/527845_470352219661836_1601706486_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMxkZJhOWN2iE3cC-YgCgwdwFGycZ3inUwu6pZrgbPQBeC9eiXuPuaHGK8rJIwHwNJ4AojjzWF3jP0Kyo9SFCy60mWiXGcDHFv6HkV998st6TUMyQILNXcRJ9P1LuTTHdi87ieRYkg3n5/s320/527845_470352219661836_1601706486_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbbbYRpnibviG5ZCIBjzUTuQ6eU_ogOAQPbShxvDeWxUGihzItoBt_QNmaGM4unZedj4JzS62i5_R68HtOMVLJY3rQFvn6hORMWmFIg5GwEn4daPEYi0oqGkwFaGC2PHw3GqGIyVo9_bi/s1600/65515_470352786328446_695873880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbbbYRpnibviG5ZCIBjzUTuQ6eU_ogOAQPbShxvDeWxUGihzItoBt_QNmaGM4unZedj4JzS62i5_R68HtOMVLJY3rQFvn6hORMWmFIg5GwEn4daPEYi0oqGkwFaGC2PHw3GqGIyVo9_bi/s320/65515_470352786328446_695873880_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Girls!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GcaFDgn8W0AOxMk9AzIEFfqaSkuVwnyll4kP2CMM1C2MU2jzDLdA9d1WV0ZbmPwgli7TgeS_nXA1bTShJ6CGpw-OfUPs5aovbbxdYTaI2WQ-G1F3jzAXqAd_Hv4MuolDYeB0LtPDiIQt/s1600/314103_470352639661794_1718552301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GcaFDgn8W0AOxMk9AzIEFfqaSkuVwnyll4kP2CMM1C2MU2jzDLdA9d1WV0ZbmPwgli7TgeS_nXA1bTShJ6CGpw-OfUPs5aovbbxdYTaI2WQ-G1F3jzAXqAd_Hv4MuolDYeB0LtPDiIQt/s320/314103_470352639661794_1718552301_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass & TJ being silly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZE80KgQj53cq7t2yLnFOdKqmBfsACimIPMZBx-ZkKiDIr-CqOakkPJdci_FSl8LyqZrhxOXVKOmcY9Q9x8gI16VQ8kpw4RGd0yizj_HybQ7IcHFviIRbzG8fUa7cct1xuKzw4pkkNdG0v/s1600/424727_470352749661783_1482651275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZE80KgQj53cq7t2yLnFOdKqmBfsACimIPMZBx-ZkKiDIr-CqOakkPJdci_FSl8LyqZrhxOXVKOmcY9Q9x8gI16VQ8kpw4RGd0yizj_HybQ7IcHFviIRbzG8fUa7cct1xuKzw4pkkNdG0v/s320/424727_470352749661783_1482651275_n.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLiuTbgzWFuovDW8FXaDG4NxZCFdm1B_vmGSRitesXrZSyzM13W1vrxroSCMmNJwLuj_gkE8sL6DdwayE8_juG87H3HCO35LvAkHGe2cngFji1b6DuIE3AOjSeUaAEpfwfYG7_AvrS3oU/s1600/75650_470353116328413_34293123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLiuTbgzWFuovDW8FXaDG4NxZCFdm1B_vmGSRitesXrZSyzM13W1vrxroSCMmNJwLuj_gkE8sL6DdwayE8_juG87H3HCO35LvAkHGe2cngFji1b6DuIE3AOjSeUaAEpfwfYG7_AvrS3oU/s320/75650_470353116328413_34293123_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pretty girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdjAKV15Va_9P5myfnh8VVlOeSw77-KbVjiqLsI30cOXq53ViV2BWr20Ymtf9FTwLhtGb-S_dOOeW1beuiH7QLXUgZ340VBsQ4LlqBPqz9lrsOelQm1jqBNHQvrHe-AEfATIeEcBgOHMm/s1600/36322_470352979661760_937833000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdjAKV15Va_9P5myfnh8VVlOeSw77-KbVjiqLsI30cOXq53ViV2BWr20Ymtf9FTwLhtGb-S_dOOeW1beuiH7QLXUgZ340VBsQ4LlqBPqz9lrsOelQm1jqBNHQvrHe-AEfATIeEcBgOHMm/s320/36322_470352979661760_937833000_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
NCCF also had their Danny Gans Memorial Champions Run For Life Run and Walk in October. We went to support them and walked the one mile walk with Kass. We like to support these amazing organizations whenever possible, they all have been so supportive to us. After the run and walk they have the Champions Run for Life, they pick certain amount of children who have been battling life threatening diseases and they are introduced individually and each of them get to pick who they want to run their victory lap with. Donny Osmond is now hosting this event and he runs or walk around with each kid. Kassidy also picked us, Dr. Bernstein, and Sprinkles, the Dunkin Donut character since the Meadow Gold cow deflated. Hahaha<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO1yZcNLZRZAzU_OcYOHG4sw7zSYbkL87-2kvbqlBI6VQYQWb6SvfN8oCdPyBY73dL18jNft_CK0is1hzhHjl85oQlS6aD1F4TwBcGRohlFZdS5c0xSHay4Xdtio4z0xICS1bdQNLSBoI/s1600/IMG-20121020-00393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO1yZcNLZRZAzU_OcYOHG4sw7zSYbkL87-2kvbqlBI6VQYQWb6SvfN8oCdPyBY73dL18jNft_CK0is1hzhHjl85oQlS6aD1F4TwBcGRohlFZdS5c0xSHay4Xdtio4z0xICS1bdQNLSBoI/s320/IMG-20121020-00393.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLfjCadILU1eWP0UxSOnntGAp4UdOGu4jmqNJpdA5s0sFXY3JaX-rRTZba971uUX8qmteHHxvMtTOEg7gwU6Kenuk2RKo0rR5wdnlXdpTaU9OYy0uY8uETFkdVgcxmTpAB8gC2BJeAY6y/s1600/Las+Vegas-20121020-00395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLfjCadILU1eWP0UxSOnntGAp4UdOGu4jmqNJpdA5s0sFXY3JaX-rRTZba971uUX8qmteHHxvMtTOEg7gwU6Kenuk2RKo0rR5wdnlXdpTaU9OYy0uY8uETFkdVgcxmTpAB8gC2BJeAY6y/s320/Las+Vegas-20121020-00395.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass getting interviewd and asked who she wants to walk to do her champion walk with.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO4N7DkosPYbveKYUdoBJXwl0NBcjAJwEofNOcVCqS6VyXuGvnM11-TXzmYJDpjNkiUq0wQ4U3uEXfu5J8eTdOkllJS9rwwOtcMK80AuX-lR481M5EQIEOvuBQGHVlO2pbXDiv16bBqWb/s1600/Las+Vegas-20121020-00398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO4N7DkosPYbveKYUdoBJXwl0NBcjAJwEofNOcVCqS6VyXuGvnM11-TXzmYJDpjNkiUq0wQ4U3uEXfu5J8eTdOkllJS9rwwOtcMK80AuX-lR481M5EQIEOvuBQGHVlO2pbXDiv16bBqWb/s320/Las+Vegas-20121020-00398.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She didn't even know who Donny Osmond was!!! OH MY GOSH!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguyEteCdB_LsPEKOAT0YWHgjSn4lyTZcsjXGXzaNqowJv9UloQRlibSopTiaFGDtKA7aG45AHkBo_l9thqjvO0UoVt0z2jC7Qtgkkvk5cUlYLrx_J6AFkVCMEhWu7PWu624y0h7sVn-yQ/s1600/Las+Vegas-20121020-00399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguyEteCdB_LsPEKOAT0YWHgjSn4lyTZcsjXGXzaNqowJv9UloQRlibSopTiaFGDtKA7aG45AHkBo_l9thqjvO0UoVt0z2jC7Qtgkkvk5cUlYLrx_J6AFkVCMEhWu7PWu624y0h7sVn-yQ/s320/Las+Vegas-20121020-00399.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass with her medal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our Halloween was not the same this year without Kyle again. We did do our annual pumpkin carving with Kassidy's friend Bailie and Kyle's girlfriend Kaela. I had already bought pumpkins for everyone, but Kass decided hers was too big and bought herself a mini one. She thinks they smell so this way she wouldn't have to suffer too long. Dramatic, I tell ya! Also, she decided she didn't want to go trick o treating. Booo! Ryan and I were sad that we wouldn't be able to pick through her candy while she was asleep as we always did before. So we filled bags for the run that night, not so eventful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1CCrAXmGjFGMmPaJQ87JGnht2fF4YrqnerzjbHIGutaMBjG8b4PqEzlfDbbJYBtgjM0igtUzgmzzjOODz7knPdxQ4uv6Inj141Wzr7lbjOTl_q9VrS-966c7cZ5j3zYD8sEbw2839DRQ/s1600/Las+Vegas-20121026-00462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1CCrAXmGjFGMmPaJQ87JGnht2fF4YrqnerzjbHIGutaMBjG8b4PqEzlfDbbJYBtgjM0igtUzgmzzjOODz7knPdxQ4uv6Inj141Wzr7lbjOTl_q9VrS-966c7cZ5j3zYD8sEbw2839DRQ/s320/Las+Vegas-20121026-00462.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really Kass, that small!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp02FWllKZt1Fr0Pp-rkhCI8iwHBhtjzQdMOf6w6eVIFMYP_s8PvfUGu7byUo0d3bOQVrHlGUPrDawHCdUnFM9tkfLFnA50Aij_FinbZaOrlpDZnhN7_uFS9u6MJp3zgYBxbgMMmLAcBRa/s1600/101_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp02FWllKZt1Fr0Pp-rkhCI8iwHBhtjzQdMOf6w6eVIFMYP_s8PvfUGu7byUo0d3bOQVrHlGUPrDawHCdUnFM9tkfLFnA50Aij_FinbZaOrlpDZnhN7_uFS9u6MJp3zgYBxbgMMmLAcBRa/s320/101_0038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carving Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQpMlbh2D-ZsmOxJzU6Ha7BnfSlMowxpLL6qraK_VbQBqBabH5uwsyG9QVexE_pDFsk_R8_VFcs5zHC-G3Z5zHS_RzI_PfdBR1nr0cGc2zcXvTjCdQgKdjrUinVLHmu_p40me0UtWmzFs/s1600/101_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQpMlbh2D-ZsmOxJzU6Ha7BnfSlMowxpLL6qraK_VbQBqBabH5uwsyG9QVexE_pDFsk_R8_VFcs5zHC-G3Z5zHS_RzI_PfdBR1nr0cGc2zcXvTjCdQgKdjrUinVLHmu_p40me0UtWmzFs/s320/101_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her "Never Give Up" Pumpkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqgIDKFYZwHuyg8tevs224dSF_y4aHGyQOkTqVIJ3snLMyM8BE1ZSuCLLUnB13dYb8t7rowqpW7JigXQ0Cgp2f6g7QH_Nymtu5Uh4YzXEy1_Lg21m-PMgZVPKr_rcv1eLL2DuUMjDsv1_/s1600/101_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqgIDKFYZwHuyg8tevs224dSF_y4aHGyQOkTqVIJ3snLMyM8BE1ZSuCLLUnB13dYb8t7rowqpW7JigXQ0Cgp2f6g7QH_Nymtu5Uh4YzXEy1_Lg21m-PMgZVPKr_rcv1eLL2DuUMjDsv1_/s320/101_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids did a great job!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day was an exciting one, we left for LA for the Ellen Show. It was a quick trip there and back, but all worthwhile. Kassidy has been wanting to go to the show for years, but last time I got tickets she was not old enough to go. She was actually kind a cranky the morning of, but when we got there her whole attitude changed. Her and Bailey were so excited they were giddy. It was fun to watch! If you ever been to the Ellen Show you know that it is a good time. From beginning to end they have you laughing, dancing, hugging your neighbor.... <br />
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Here is a clip of us in the audience go to the FACEBOOK PHOTO segment she does:<br />
<a href="http://www.ellentv.com/episodes/julie-bowen-tsung-tsung-lee-and-twilight-week/">http://www.ellentv.com/episodes/julie-bowen-tsung-tsung-lee-and-twilight-week/</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLNelTv1uJn9YDDos5NJChVQbX7_LFlPO4RU6pfu2uY4A53r3aEbHxMUDeMQGm2f9iGr64Qnjmk3ThzlFSjolPo4YQmY_snWy3c8bJizH37t_eFuEv_UOcFPLfiabWHk5AZOLwtCx-Xpx/s1600/59679_10151120983430163_722483282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLNelTv1uJn9YDDos5NJChVQbX7_LFlPO4RU6pfu2uY4A53r3aEbHxMUDeMQGm2f9iGr64Qnjmk3ThzlFSjolPo4YQmY_snWy3c8bJizH37t_eFuEv_UOcFPLfiabWHk5AZOLwtCx-Xpx/s320/59679_10151120983430163_722483282_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our number to be called!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnD6CzIhCIBYuPrdl6S4LhL92pNXZAKBltmiVrT_cr3V9O2oFfz7FOxhC1ubxk3mhG6fXzJSpnRHcg6v2kN_CUPLE8T-XB0rdX8_pUt2IEp6U5xebO4d4IM32V1EgX6AWlcaX-Eja_S1q/s1600/Burbank-20121101-00490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnD6CzIhCIBYuPrdl6S4LhL92pNXZAKBltmiVrT_cr3V9O2oFfz7FOxhC1ubxk3mhG6fXzJSpnRHcg6v2kN_CUPLE8T-XB0rdX8_pUt2IEp6U5xebO4d4IM32V1EgX6AWlcaX-Eja_S1q/s320/Burbank-20121101-00490.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the show to start! I snuck a pic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwkyz2vvrx2u_sNR9nzTq43K4GnUwu4n8p7Q05nwcKibSdxIqjsP6leNHhxJnI7KAHRCtrwSUgeYOga6QeBFOzv-w3TBtqwZPqiHO1VI_FexO_c3kFhcOIt7Jz_OS_XEGuC2QfDLslOcr/s1600/Burbank-20121101-00493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwkyz2vvrx2u_sNR9nzTq43K4GnUwu4n8p7Q05nwcKibSdxIqjsP6leNHhxJnI7KAHRCtrwSUgeYOga6QeBFOzv-w3TBtqwZPqiHO1VI_FexO_c3kFhcOIt7Jz_OS_XEGuC2QfDLslOcr/s320/Burbank-20121101-00493.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the show had to the Original Bob's Big Boy Restaurant for a shake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Friday, I had a great surprise for Ryan and Kassidy. A friend had a buddy pass through Southwest that was ready to expire so she gave it to me and she helped me use it to bring Kyle home for the weekend so he could come surprise them and run the 2nd Annual Kassidy's Army Run. The expression on Ryan and Kassidy's face when they saw Kyle was priceless!!! Kass was so excited she posted it on facebook so quick that we couldn't surprise his girlfriend as she was on her way to the house to help us with stuff for the run. It was awesome to have my family together!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-pPRvhIif39N63rTNgq2gpi8NiAW5JcEr7caijBKuoaVBix_zVFB2JRfPK5h2s3HvTMIolaswago75QR_OaQcruPvFXpzP5x7DDIU3Io8GscyN2hBYDv_M28D-TzQOV8iCPndPBJuaN3/s1600/Las+Vegas-20121102-00494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-pPRvhIif39N63rTNgq2gpi8NiAW5JcEr7caijBKuoaVBix_zVFB2JRfPK5h2s3HvTMIolaswago75QR_OaQcruPvFXpzP5x7DDIU3Io8GscyN2hBYDv_M28D-TzQOV8iCPndPBJuaN3/s320/Las+Vegas-20121102-00494.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both excited to see each other!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next morning it was run day! This year Ryan and I were definitely not as nervous as we were last year. Everything seemed to have fallen into place and we knew what to expect. We had almost 200 walkers and runners a bit less than last year, but still a great turnout. I got emotional again thanking everyone that came out to help and support. I can't tell ya what an overwhelming feeling it is to see so many there for Kassidy. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR EACH ONE OF YOU! I really love putting this event together, it's a lot of work, but so great to see everyone, I guess maybe cause it's a family event, all ages can participate even pets. :) We had the Centennial ROTC present the colors, Bridgette who sang the national anthem beautifully, Centennial Polynesian Club open with a dance and had Kyle, Nick, & Thomas do the stretches for the crowd. After the run and walk we had food for everyone, great raffle prizes and some amazing auction baskets. All in all we were all proud of the success of the event. We could have not done it without Hope 4 Lives, the non profit that helps us with all our events. We are so thankful for Abel for all he's done for us helping us raise all the money we have raised so far. We are blessed!<br />
<br />
For those who were Timed Runners, here is a link for your results:<br />
<a href="http://results.bazumedia.com/event/results/event/event-2224">http://results.bazumedia.com/event/results/event/event-2224</a><br />
<br />
More PICS SOON!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOX3RodQ-Tj3VgbJeeJcIF3_nnxIJJnoZ9P750AT3Ia4SEiDaGINZI5azB5_Z7Q0_JH8rJrHU2ANnNAKZqiUU3PjjF4iGR1pVtLVHk_X7UaRl1LuxJW8MsCSaK6WUbMwlY0WuFKOm6Vty/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOX3RodQ-Tj3VgbJeeJcIF3_nnxIJJnoZ9P750AT3Ia4SEiDaGINZI5azB5_Z7Q0_JH8rJrHU2ANnNAKZqiUU3PjjF4iGR1pVtLVHk_X7UaRl1LuxJW8MsCSaK6WUbMwlY0WuFKOm6Vty/s320/001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 3, 2012 at Bunker Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGdE1CwDMod3NeXDTb_bdW-NGacuvN-AtusrMgueUcji8z_4FdhhVXdGb6rnXtPLpCCHTEj_u1BpM5hm57wAkRC72zIqg1mi74H1LM787L3iXyTYSRD7s1Ahe9uj7Qeah3RBQkM2XuvyX/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGdE1CwDMod3NeXDTb_bdW-NGacuvN-AtusrMgueUcji8z_4FdhhVXdGb6rnXtPLpCCHTEj_u1BpM5hm57wAkRC72zIqg1mi74H1LM787L3iXyTYSRD7s1Ahe9uj7Qeah3RBQkM2XuvyX/s320/007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Annual Kassidy's Army 5k run & 1 mile Family Walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUYGeSXBAO58GyKot0GHsHdBPeRXV8nwBx9RCWIwkG1W2u4EKbAydXeJ2_PHFq9W8108JbOLAWIRlnolCkAAMJ9YLhKa8EamWosw7vYvPgU4rfOPiBQPGtKYXhP6uhRQMCPYsXz9XP2rb/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUYGeSXBAO58GyKot0GHsHdBPeRXV8nwBx9RCWIwkG1W2u4EKbAydXeJ2_PHFq9W8108JbOLAWIRlnolCkAAMJ9YLhKa8EamWosw7vYvPgU4rfOPiBQPGtKYXhP6uhRQMCPYsXz9XP2rb/s320/011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRms3_PRajbx-SkJ3F1-zVObPJlSVfr24MqAEjOW1dwdPjcuRROZW9vFW-UQlD8fyeH2hKniaubhaoW6cBdad0h-hOmF45TOHtJCb_EuxQVD9QO-7qgWIJ2lQlsbJ5WmRWSGg_2IaMy69/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRms3_PRajbx-SkJ3F1-zVObPJlSVfr24MqAEjOW1dwdPjcuRROZW9vFW-UQlD8fyeH2hKniaubhaoW6cBdad0h-hOmF45TOHtJCb_EuxQVD9QO-7qgWIJ2lQlsbJ5WmRWSGg_2IaMy69/s320/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass with Sam and Nicole, our old neighbors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnZo3HoYRq8YpiJ-rVO_IjxCAkP8sxPLinxNevZtweIozAC5jf9QB7YZHt04z1ASHc4V17_bWxE-kDSqpqkBSPzMOoCcMoPiczkBt_BtZg37iVtAGAVGD66lK-wZPB3IS-1QYY8tjR2Hw/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnZo3HoYRq8YpiJ-rVO_IjxCAkP8sxPLinxNevZtweIozAC5jf9QB7YZHt04z1ASHc4V17_bWxE-kDSqpqkBSPzMOoCcMoPiczkBt_BtZg37iVtAGAVGD66lK-wZPB3IS-1QYY8tjR2Hw/s320/026.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centennial ROTC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FU0WqvZmVSnzv2OuKMtHB2s2EeBJMrjV_i71RzH06qjX5xfYZ7HgrJ4g89WJXaV6qT_gesciqy1rR6Nz1B5H7Vdcs_WcloD585iHnb_BIio5QulkOyUz4uX5nlCwS2Wv4z5DXEc4ZiUz/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FU0WqvZmVSnzv2OuKMtHB2s2EeBJMrjV_i71RzH06qjX5xfYZ7HgrJ4g89WJXaV6qT_gesciqy1rR6Nz1B5H7Vdcs_WcloD585iHnb_BIio5QulkOyUz4uX5nlCwS2Wv4z5DXEc4ZiUz/s320/027.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centennial Polynesian Club</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPirxwNZzYqdFRWgMbPhJ25-yxh3vLb_FpduWR2QuKsmVWRdKqmvq3wudUEmo4CM5YyDpB2ghu4ZqbAdomVSp5-P9efO3zvtXLTJqy5Zg9RuDrXusWfBvT_GaTGW4ea8LcYkP0ePKzU2VC/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPirxwNZzYqdFRWgMbPhJ25-yxh3vLb_FpduWR2QuKsmVWRdKqmvq3wudUEmo4CM5YyDpB2ghu4ZqbAdomVSp5-P9efO3zvtXLTJqy5Zg9RuDrXusWfBvT_GaTGW4ea8LcYkP0ePKzU2VC/s320/028.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick, Kyle & Thomas doing the stretches</td></tr>
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<br />
Well, all in all Kass has been doing fairly well. When she absolutely feels poorly she lets me give her decadron which is not very often. After the weekend of the run, she scared Ryan and I because she said she was having a hard time breathing and kept choking constantly on her saliva. This is scary because the saliva can cause aspiration pneumonia and just not being able to breathe is terrifying for anyone. Unfortunately, this is a problem with brain stem tumors, the ability to breath, swallow etc is all controlled by the dang brain stem.<br />
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I called her oncologist that morning and he fit us in right at 9am. Sigh! He proceeded to say that her throat showed no signs of infection or a cold and that most likely was brain swelling and that was puting pressure on her brain stem. Also, I asked him how we would know if her ability to swallow is slowing down, and he we would have to do a swallow test which we hope to do in two weeks. He also said we would need an MRI sooner than later to make sure there was no tumor growth and everything is ok. He knows how Kass hates steroids so he had me give her 2mg of decadron in pill form for 3 days and see if that helped with the choking and throat. Well it did, by the next day she said she seemed to breath better. What a relief!! In my mind I was thinking this damn tumor better not be growing!<br />
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I've also been speaking with the other parents of brain stem gangliogliomas and there has been a couple studies where they have found a correlation with ganglioglioma tumors and the mutation of the BRAF V600e which is the same mutation that causes melanoma cancers. A couple have sent their pathology slides of their children's tumor and they have all come back positive for this gene mutation. I started researching online and saw that there was a study of this done in Germany at the University of Heidelberg so I first called, but couldn't understand what they were saying. Duh! So I emailed and I got a response back that they are gonna start a trial with a drug called Vemurafenib, but the trial is yet not opened and it's only for adults. Also, there is a trial here in the US that should be opening up using the drug Selumetinib, aka AZD6355 for pediatric patients. It will be very interesting to see if Kassidy's tumor has this mutation and if does what these drugs will bring about in the future. It's a step in the right direction to a cure, but since gangliogliomas are not a priority in the brain tumor world I hope the funding continues to these trials. When I spoke to Dr. Bernstein he said he would get on board on maybe next clinical trial that he is up to date with the results. So it's definitely something to watch for.<br />
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Yesterday was our dreaded MRI. It was veteran's day so Ryan was off. We both went to Steinberg to take Kass, she did pretty good. Not feeling well as always, but this time we gave her Phenerghan for the nausea which makes her sleepy and I snuck some dccadron in her IV early in the morning to reduce swelling. SHHHH!! She did not throw up this time! YES! The cd has been overnighted so now we wait for results. We will keep you all posted. Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts! Always, always a hard time for us. I almost feel that every MRI gets harder and harder. Like my friend Catherine a 3 time cancer survivor says, " I guess it's just because the way we live our life depends from the results. Everything depends on what the results are." So true!ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-63932697865989987912012-09-20T00:02:00.000-07:002012-09-20T00:03:12.232-07:00September 19, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGZnF-Mi6S7olC6FcqIUuqDOi63Kkvpnog-RMe3OxLF3zj9aUp6Guw-jcgD0QEp2ai048YpPhTMQ9eCTcMpqw831YE_s6N2JwYmFurzzr9xlFnDk7c01m_RChqG2hYpSe25QWdbDe3yo-/s1600/375969_10151061217155163_773822293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGZnF-Mi6S7olC6FcqIUuqDOi63Kkvpnog-RMe3OxLF3zj9aUp6Guw-jcgD0QEp2ai048YpPhTMQ9eCTcMpqw831YE_s6N2JwYmFurzzr9xlFnDk7c01m_RChqG2hYpSe25QWdbDe3yo-/s320/375969_10151061217155163_773822293_n.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 17th Birthday to our sweet Kassidy!</td></tr>
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Last Wednesday, was Kassidy's 17th birthday. Oh what a great day she had! The day started off with her feeling pretty good that morning, that in itself is always fabulous. <br />
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In her first period at school, she received flowers and a singing balloon from one of her coaches and teachers. We just love her coaches, they are so good to her!<br />
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Since she leaves 5 minutes early from each class, to prevent from tangling her tubes with other students going from class to class; she was alone in the hallways carrying her backpack, binders, flowers and singing balloon. She had so much in her arms that the balloon kept hitting her head and letting everyone know that someone outside had a birthday. Hahahahaaha She loved it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTogY1v15PMBkOKfC1W-Nt3rDVJB9eZM6vyG0_kWoOYpEZqtjJV_9JrZ9M23QbqzrbLYFxa06dfQf2Sesl6cRAfGtbrbyFgmwDcPR_-riabCojdKCzafpG6O0ZON8H7lW4EInnydYWuRH/s1600/104_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTogY1v15PMBkOKfC1W-Nt3rDVJB9eZM6vyG0_kWoOYpEZqtjJV_9JrZ9M23QbqzrbLYFxa06dfQf2Sesl6cRAfGtbrbyFgmwDcPR_-riabCojdKCzafpG6O0ZON8H7lW4EInnydYWuRH/s320/104_4012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The singing balloon & flowers!</td></tr>
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Also at first lunch, coaches and a couple of the softball girls had a surprise party for her where they sang happy birthday, had cake, donuts and milk. Talk about sugar overload! But it was her birthday, but otherwise her sugar intake is quite controlled! We let is slide.<br />
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That evening we took her and two of her good friends to her favorite place, Cheesecake Factory. We had a great night spending time with the girls and just thanking God what a blessing it is to have Kass with us each day. We never knew how our little girl would impact our lives. I know that we sure appreciate things so much more now. Special memories mean the world to us now. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkQfBNjXRRDeBDz7Rny5oTzIGcMdUzI7aTsYvqefGDSuKugYe2pt5GNKlf8TNkg6-Gf_LC2ptH0ArwgJhYN4itcruOdJODH1XTQDfLiNsPk4BbYD3w4YV7w9Rj80lrfuXxgOskcIJ8AqJ/s1600/104_4014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkQfBNjXRRDeBDz7Rny5oTzIGcMdUzI7aTsYvqefGDSuKugYe2pt5GNKlf8TNkg6-Gf_LC2ptH0ArwgJhYN4itcruOdJODH1XTQDfLiNsPk4BbYD3w4YV7w9Rj80lrfuXxgOskcIJ8AqJ/s320/104_4014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass good friends Kayla & Bailey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpJOnTOPJ7WoebR6qdNfl5W2WixHgny0_bIiaDzxbKLlGuiIh35U0fr-4gdAxyAN-wwLVYRXQDvOcV8u6wMS02VxcSJThlUaWz_mC6mtlyypZbmaOxVd37kQ-GzckIKbPjApBLbpBW7MH/s1600/104_4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpJOnTOPJ7WoebR6qdNfl5W2WixHgny0_bIiaDzxbKLlGuiIh35U0fr-4gdAxyAN-wwLVYRXQDvOcV8u6wMS02VxcSJThlUaWz_mC6mtlyypZbmaOxVd37kQ-GzckIKbPjApBLbpBW7MH/s320/104_4022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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It was so great to see her open the little knick knacks we got her and especially the big surprise we had in store for her for her special day; tickets to the Ellen Show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAIcYk4Wwm8XvqDa0cuP5GeGr6Lhv2l9vZo-f6s07lBojc0Ctc96ddwfsCAFwZDlkTsCokg-YSilU_etMsgoy-KS1tXvs3jAp9OoKCmk0laays2-l7WuLG4X8g6jQIm8SHeAFa5CABYQe/s1600/104_4019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAIcYk4Wwm8XvqDa0cuP5GeGr6Lhv2l9vZo-f6s07lBojc0Ctc96ddwfsCAFwZDlkTsCokg-YSilU_etMsgoy-KS1tXvs3jAp9OoKCmk0laays2-l7WuLG4X8g6jQIm8SHeAFa5CABYQe/s320/104_4019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you think she was excited to get tickets to Ellen?</td></tr>
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This weekend ended being busy for her as well. Her friend Tori came home from NAU, so Kass got to spend the night on Friday at her house and Tori came over Saturday to our house, of course with Ryan and I stressing a bit because she was away from us for a Friday night. We prepared her medication before she left, but she still would have to hook the new bags and program the pump herself. She did amazing and I think we underestimated her a bit! <br />
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When she got home Saturday afternoon she gave us a scare. She came home with a splitting headache where she was having a hard time seeing and her feet were numb. Ahhhhhhh! She asked for a dose of IV decadron, something she never does. That seem to the trick and she felt better after a couple minutes. She's learning to listen to her body! We are so glad, even though deep inside we were wondering what the heck does this mean; tumor growth or .....<br />
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Sunday we also had a small bbq for friends to celebrate with those we couldn't celebrate with on Wednesday. Thank you to all those who were able to make it and share Kassidy's birthday celebration with us. We appreciate you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvL5PVwWZ2tYvkuVRTKr_IgiYMnmHTqoMu-8eQw2tsevHYuG2Sc4CqAHsZy33sJyhAzTzrmQ41f6GjBxOJBqUgWN6S0oTQDUxo_VU_P68joa22Gg9P0sSgq3zXtHvPoVt690X3fenscmO/s1600/104_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvL5PVwWZ2tYvkuVRTKr_IgiYMnmHTqoMu-8eQw2tsevHYuG2Sc4CqAHsZy33sJyhAzTzrmQ41f6GjBxOJBqUgWN6S0oTQDUxo_VU_P68joa22Gg9P0sSgq3zXtHvPoVt690X3fenscmO/s320/104_4025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIjCIW5hXPrkrDd5jyEhx3Fp1k4BOBiLWs1TJ-Pg3dxoN6NnRkq4VDNFP_A1CXqElrt1E5nFi1zl_du183zdQAGfVaN6II1-PTGkeX9DIzamv6zbuEqXwSD7CZox6SOEYjvKxsFCxNX9Z/s1600/104_4031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIjCIW5hXPrkrDd5jyEhx3Fp1k4BOBiLWs1TJ-Pg3dxoN6NnRkq4VDNFP_A1CXqElrt1E5nFi1zl_du183zdQAGfVaN6II1-PTGkeX9DIzamv6zbuEqXwSD7CZox6SOEYjvKxsFCxNX9Z/s320/104_4031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends Trinity & TJ</td></tr>
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This week was again the dreaded MRI week. On Tuesday, Ryan actually took Kass to her appointment, he decided to take off Tuesday and Wednesday to be home to help me thru those two dreaded days. Kass had it rough on Tuesday, she ended up throwing up in the bathroom at Steinberg before she had to go in the magnet, but she made it thru her MRI and came home so we could continue her treatments. She also had a mishap in her car after coming home that day from her hyperbaric appointment, she got an urge to throw up and couldn't pull over and got it everywhere in her car. That was not so fun for Ryan and I to clean up. LOL!<br />
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Today we anxiously waited to MRI results, every time the phone rang we would jump. Dr. Barbara called and gave us prelim results of the MRI and said the tumor is stable. Sigh!!! I don't think we've ever been so happy about a stable MRI. I guess July's MRI when she had 14% increase in her tumor scared us to death. I guess we have learned to love stable! She said since Kassidy has only been on full dose for 3 weeks she hopes we see better results next scan. We are hoping and praying and trusting God to guide us with the next step!!!<br />
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I wanted to remind you of two fundraisers coming up for Kassidy:</div>
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Kass will be this year's face of </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Ride for Life</span></span></b> </span><br />
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Saturday, October 6<br />
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A motorcycle poker run here in Las Vegas. </div>
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So those of you that ride, please help us spread the word to your rider friends.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-J76f-5Qq3bsLl1DLHrNyp7Fgiw3BZsCDldg1K9Pk3W2Mkwb0q1AyouHYwER_3ivzp-m_BYNSF1Vv3pxXKHEvhVtCTt41VgYkqK0hYyO-_5_AjC_qTtR0jJd2DY89diVsijgzTD-ksg9/s1600/Mile+Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-J76f-5Qq3bsLl1DLHrNyp7Fgiw3BZsCDldg1K9Pk3W2Mkwb0q1AyouHYwER_3ivzp-m_BYNSF1Vv3pxXKHEvhVtCTt41VgYkqK0hYyO-_5_AjC_qTtR0jJd2DY89diVsijgzTD-ksg9/s320/Mile+Full.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Also we have a date for<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Kassidy's Army 2nd Annual 5k run & </b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>1 Mile Family Walk</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: purple;">.</span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at Bunker Park on </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday, November 3rd at 9:00am </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are inviting EVERYBODY!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All Ages, walker friendly, strollers welcome, dogs on leashes.......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also needing VOLUNTEERS!!! Please email us!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You may now register at:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.active.com/running/las-vegas-nv/kassidys-army-2nd-annual-5k-run-and-1-mile-walk-2012">http://www.active.com/running/las-vegas-nv/kassidys-army-2nd-annual-5k-run-and-1-mile-walk-2012</a></div>
ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-47517933207854203532012-09-10T21:34:00.000-07:002012-09-10T21:36:28.201-07:00September 10, 2012Our trip to Boise ended being momentous. Not only did it take us 11 long hours to drive because of all the construction, but more than halfway there, Kassidy's pump decided to break. At that moment, I called Ryan so he would overnight the new pump and new tubing we were suppose to be already using, but was reluctant to do so because of the pump's bigger size and the fact it needs to be recharged at night. Fortunately, Kass felt ok off medication for the rest of the evening.<br />
<br />
The next day the pump and tubing arrived bright and early. As I unpacked the box, I noticed that everything was in the box, except for the y-connectors. OOPS! Ryan had never learned the new pump so he didn't know that this new pump had different parts to it. He felt so bad! He found a medical supply store in Meridian (close to Boise) that would gift me a couple y-connectors to see me through the weekend. I got the y-tubing and tried for 4 hours to make it work, but the pump kept giving me the error "down occlusion"; by then I was so frustrated not only because I couldn't get the pump to work, but by then Kass was now dry heaving from throwing up so much. When I called the clinic they informed that for some reason the new pump didn't take any other kind of tubing except the kind they provided. Oh my gosh!!!<br />
<br />
It was now 3:10pm Vegas time so I called Ryan in tears telling him that I would need the y-connectors we had at home. At that same time as I spoke with him I looked at Southwest website and found that they had a flight at 4:20pm nonstop to Boise for $170.00 and it would cost $120 to send the tubing fedex. I begged to please come bring me the tubing that friday evening and come help me get Kyle settled. The amazing man he is, he packed in less than 10 minutes and arrived at the gate at 4:19pm. That evening we troubleshooted the pump together, got it to work and it only took an hour for Kass to start feeling better. Ahhhh! The next day we spent helping Kyle unpack and setting up his room.<br />
<br />
Never a dull moment!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAMKxU8OuvCtGjvktZHIJW7hzT1mz7rgakH23kuogDw4CPrndq3Pj4NZIByXe9FZvSqjM-Hp7NK_KGu6CdvaijOk5edjPfxAio2_cnH2ZPLwBBzXLTsNYGt8UX33TQo2BHTqasWqSV-F7/s1600/104_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAMKxU8OuvCtGjvktZHIJW7hzT1mz7rgakH23kuogDw4CPrndq3Pj4NZIByXe9FZvSqjM-Hp7NK_KGu6CdvaijOk5edjPfxAio2_cnH2ZPLwBBzXLTsNYGt8UX33TQo2BHTqasWqSV-F7/s320/104_3995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass saying goodbye to Kyle before we left Boise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Monday, we started going back up in dose as Dr. B ordered. All of us a bit sad that it would mean 3 bag changes a day, 3 blood draws a week, and less and less time in between treatments for Kass. But it only took us 2 and half weeks to get Kass back up to maximum dose without really any problems. So glad for that part!!!<br />
<br />
We also started hyperbaric chamber treatment for Kass. I had been researching the benefits and I can't believe more people are not using it. After Kassidy's brain surgery we have noticed balance issues, memory issues, and even bit of saliva issue (she's producing way more than she used to and chokes on it quite a bit and even causes her upset stomach). By reading about HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) when oxygen is pressurized it can help regenerate damaged cells or tissue, increase neural brain function, help reduce steroid dosages, helps body fight infection, and so much more. So she had her first treatment on August 9th, again she did so great in the chamber. What a trooper this kid of ours! We will be doing 30 treatment, but we have already noticed better balance, better mental clarity, more energy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-g4I10KGJM9lhJ6twFp6D9ZEhtRiQxz1gln3CMc6kYtwB6JqzN4RA6AjZEzCqUBvYVddp_gbDO8Xnt26RIkvG2OCmCfUiqcNuvNESD4fvwNTLfb02gkVevS3yKKwNx4zveAGp19F3EFa/s1600/551024_10151003673310163_1767151448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-g4I10KGJM9lhJ6twFp6D9ZEhtRiQxz1gln3CMc6kYtwB6JqzN4RA6AjZEzCqUBvYVddp_gbDO8Xnt26RIkvG2OCmCfUiqcNuvNESD4fvwNTLfb02gkVevS3yKKwNx4zveAGp19F3EFa/s320/551024_10151003673310163_1767151448_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hyperbaric chamber! I get to watch Kass from the small window. My hero!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVCsL9-m1c06NFg1Oam_5fCfizNVWyylxlEkjywZtCbZdY2_BjexQhD6cF515CxcGFL9mhZ2NJW7FguzjK3ksR1N9-BsDQ-LkEuOIfLXI_ThYrXCpWc6baojeglZh6mTYF86-VmlHOggF/s1600/558187_10151052501600163_435869729_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVCsL9-m1c06NFg1Oam_5fCfizNVWyylxlEkjywZtCbZdY2_BjexQhD6cF515CxcGFL9mhZ2NJW7FguzjK3ksR1N9-BsDQ-LkEuOIfLXI_ThYrXCpWc6baojeglZh6mTYF86-VmlHOggF/s320/558187_10151052501600163_435869729_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass a bit bored in the chamber last Friday!</td></tr>
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<br />
Also this last month we were fortunate enough to have Kassidy's story featured on two different publications here in Las Vegas.<br />
<br />
Our friend Chantal wrote a wonderful piece about Kassidy in the Desert Companion Magazine:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.desertcompanion.com/article.cfm?articleID=383">http://www.desertcompanion.com/article.cfm?articleID=383</a><br />
<br />
Maggie who did Kassidy's story last year about Kassidy's Army did an update on Kass in the Las Vegas, The View, newspaper.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lvrj.com/view/teen-hears-promising-news-about-her-rare-brain-tumor-166857746.html">http://www.lvrj.com/view/teen-hears-promising-news-about-her-rare-brain-tumor-166857746.html</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oRZQTuL0ZAhdXG4wYVsZr_fWN_n8qRZl5YpA5xuW7GF24hr-D_rIzzuDSqXacyAHE4E3I8-QD0Au5kKTP3urd6W8OgpnylUCobZYU7xtIcudlOlnhwn7gSjXZG82mD8JBlZ5Iq9__EYN/s1600/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oRZQTuL0ZAhdXG4wYVsZr_fWN_n8qRZl5YpA5xuW7GF24hr-D_rIzzuDSqXacyAHE4E3I8-QD0Au5kKTP3urd6W8OgpnylUCobZYU7xtIcudlOlnhwn7gSjXZG82mD8JBlZ5Iq9__EYN/s320/photo-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer Ron Pope proudly wearing Kassidy's Army gear. Thank you Ron!</td></tr>
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<br />
On August 20th we held Kassidy's Army 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Canyon Gate Country Club. Players, volunteers and our family had a great time. We didn't have the amazing turn out we had last year, but I think it was due to that it was held on a Monday instead of a weekend day, so we hope to change that next year. We still had great feedback from the golfers and had great raffle and auction prizes. Thank you so much to those that came to play, sponsored, volunteered, and donated. We appreciate each one of you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxCjvpY3czJf_N9NO869-bseCRZ57ybv9f2TOO02zmqenvZ1T_IRB-gUyZHNGvTx0n19segy66jjS4Cb5EGg__gYIPpCDhNG1lAyr6Q9K6aimCLvxDL9m5H7jBdheIj6o1k0hratDbE9e/s1600/_62D4435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxCjvpY3czJf_N9NO869-bseCRZ57ybv9f2TOO02zmqenvZ1T_IRB-gUyZHNGvTx0n19segy66jjS4Cb5EGg__gYIPpCDhNG1lAyr6Q9K6aimCLvxDL9m5H7jBdheIj6o1k0hratDbE9e/s320/_62D4435.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kassidy's Army volunteers ready to help. Love you All.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH9SUpJu_rEyD1w45C6KGWPWfxzk6ItNbN2CD51Tkde0U0adMjzwL3RECyvHN6Fkmw-Uu5Msq4Qfs1ZV-hta5vZobG9811JUYj1FRcRICgl9VgF8HR_qBwa-M0uoGqWzqhLejCiQK6_Mm/s1600/76108-large-watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH9SUpJu_rEyD1w45C6KGWPWfxzk6ItNbN2CD51Tkde0U0adMjzwL3RECyvHN6Fkmw-Uu5Msq4Qfs1ZV-hta5vZobG9811JUYj1FRcRICgl9VgF8HR_qBwa-M0uoGqWzqhLejCiQK6_Mm/s320/76108-large-watermark.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass and her friend Alex at the tournament!</td></tr>
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Those of you that would like to check out the pictures from the golf tournament you may do so here:<br />
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<a href="http://benniepalmore.zenfolio.com/p177026849">http://benniepalmore.zenfolio.com/p177026849</a><br />
<br />
We took a small trip to Salt Lake City the weekend before school started, Ryan was very busy at school getting ready for the new school year so we escaped for a couple days while he worked. We stopped to see our friend Catherine which we met in Houston at the Burzynski Clinic. Catherine was battling cancer for the 3rd time when we met her, she is now cancer free thanks to Dr. B. We got to spend some time with her in Park City, we had a great time with her. After, we spend the weekend with my cousin Ari and her baby Thiago. It was wonderful to hang out with them for a couple of days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3w9zj_9P2_7y7SDg-O-3TlwHaa9KrvmmcePgwTaxrTJcluUY9t4gbkipa81ZXjc1exM2MPcMxl6_uQJnFOfkrXkB6ywzrmKH_bmmtfELCQ905NXUCJFZTnbW63P2wRsxRQLk_JNou0tG/s1600/104_3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3w9zj_9P2_7y7SDg-O-3TlwHaa9KrvmmcePgwTaxrTJcluUY9t4gbkipa81ZXjc1exM2MPcMxl6_uQJnFOfkrXkB6ywzrmKH_bmmtfELCQ905NXUCJFZTnbW63P2wRsxRQLk_JNou0tG/s320/104_3998.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass and Catherine! We hung out in her balcony that evening.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aga_A0h0lrYU6Emeaq2O6J7_ii_zbv8qCnZV5GuxieL20vleSWXfImuFHJe9LBvja8HX-PliTb5TZboyn6D0xYNLbyhlQlDADPfD0imwn3WcUm3VO0WrCnzziZr8LjVUFw3G8mBGrbfb/s1600/104_3999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aga_A0h0lrYU6Emeaq2O6J7_ii_zbv8qCnZV5GuxieL20vleSWXfImuFHJe9LBvja8HX-PliTb5TZboyn6D0xYNLbyhlQlDADPfD0imwn3WcUm3VO0WrCnzziZr8LjVUFw3G8mBGrbfb/s320/104_3999.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out to dinner with friends in Salt Lake City.</td></tr>
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The night before Kassidy's first day of school she woke Ryan and I by calling us from her cell from the bathroom saying she needed help because she had thrown up. Since, at night she is connected to an extension chord because she has to charge her pump she can't really make it all the way to our room to wake us. She had thrown up all over the bathroom! Our poor baby! Her sleep is so interrupted that when she sleeps she is out cold, so it took her off guard. We felt for sure would miss her first day of school, but to our surprise she was up at 5am getting ready to go. She said she felt fine and was ready for the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFrlL_UAmlcjARJhLM-QuT4PilIMs4LX18QXUHK1LTO9FLcjsUx6bnu2xhq-6Qo_8XG8v6g-pO97hiNj-5nIb20RvMZrgh_jxRVMA7zP9tZN-2orQJbFS6MxqPQ7tivmDFoU6B7xo1ag3/s1600/104_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFrlL_UAmlcjARJhLM-QuT4PilIMs4LX18QXUHK1LTO9FLcjsUx6bnu2xhq-6Qo_8XG8v6g-pO97hiNj-5nIb20RvMZrgh_jxRVMA7zP9tZN-2orQJbFS6MxqPQ7tivmDFoU6B7xo1ag3/s320/104_4008.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's tradition to take a pic on the first day of school! Can you tell she's not excited LOL</td></tr>
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I think she was excited for her first day as a senior. Crazy, how time flies! We are so proud of our new senior. We visited her counselor the week before school started to make sure her schedule was set, her 504 plan updated and make sure she's on track to graduate and low and behold she still is on schedule to graduate with her advance honor diploma and medallion as long as she keep a 3.5 or higher this year as well. She was bummed to hear her gpa is now a 3.52 instead of her 4.0 she used to have, but my goodness all she's gone thru and she still has that great of gpa, we are extremely proud of her. She will be taking 4 classes this year, Government Honors, Geological Studies Honors, English 12, and Foods. Since Centennial has block schedule she only will take 2 classes per day which is great.<br />
<br />
She's only missed one day in two weeks so we hope and pray she can attend as much as she can this year so she can accomplish her goal.<br />
<br />
Our next MRI is scheduled for September 18th. Ryan and I are very nervous for this next MRI since it will tell if ANP is working. We ask to please remember us in your prayers!!!!<br />
<br />
September is Childhood Awareness Month!!!!!! Go Gold before Pink!!!!!<br />
Please remember our children fighting and volunteer or participate in your local childhood cancer charities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBof4xp2HtTUkBv93ncoRbyKK4oP1c2FP1o5yX6RnC7iHDxu2WNcNkPUCeHpBFYrN_sx6oKHH9tsYCSMVTuVm4i7Mi_ljMPc2HkwYWkfXKskeNlKAE_eKvhrR53Q2I8Uu8bjEQ14QSyNuQ/s1600/390870_4680404931629_1032605887_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBof4xp2HtTUkBv93ncoRbyKK4oP1c2FP1o5yX6RnC7iHDxu2WNcNkPUCeHpBFYrN_sx6oKHH9tsYCSMVTuVm4i7Mi_ljMPc2HkwYWkfXKskeNlKAE_eKvhrR53Q2I8Uu8bjEQ14QSyNuQ/s1600/390870_4680404931629_1032605887_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-50266253585700491572012-08-01T23:48:00.000-07:002012-08-01T23:49:19.320-07:00August 1, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmlgRTkEjy465jz_8p9o2-bHfNs196kHACjg92O5g6wrBRF_RQhR0HH3rGhV_uNI-ZCoBRj__Ap04pNuQvoyPrrt0bEYv3ugCZ_AFvcXwJcMVLFxKNVBAl2dfwJQZ0rND700XXnEDhdC8/s1600/124482377170657849_hevoTT9G_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmlgRTkEjy465jz_8p9o2-bHfNs196kHACjg92O5g6wrBRF_RQhR0HH3rGhV_uNI-ZCoBRj__Ap04pNuQvoyPrrt0bEYv3ugCZ_AFvcXwJcMVLFxKNVBAl2dfwJQZ0rND700XXnEDhdC8/s320/124482377170657849_hevoTT9G_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please!</td></tr>
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<br />
Yesterday felt like a blurr. The news hit us like a brick, but we've done our crying and feeling sorry for ourselves and we are ready to FIGHT along with Kassidy. We will NEVER GIVE UP! <br />
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Thank you so much for your kind messages, texts, email & especially your prayers. They gave us comfort. It's so great to know the great support we have around us. You guys are truly amazing!<br />
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So, tomorrow we leave to take Kyle back to Boise State. Bittersweet for this mama! Not sure if it will ever get any easier, but we will treat it as a nice teeny vacation for us to take our minds of things for a bit and at the same time help Kyle get settled.<br />
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Starting Monday, we will be increasing Kassidy's ANP dose slowly, so we can deal with any side effects while she's home and not on vacation and also allow her body to get use to the dose before we increase again. The nurse that calls from the clinic agreed that it would be a good idea to do it that way.<br />
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On that note, we need your HELP on new fundraisers!<br />
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<i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2nd Annual Kassidy's Army Golf Tournament</span></u></i></div>
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<i>on August 20, 2012</i></div>
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<i>at Canyon Gate Country Club</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Will be a 4 man best ball scramble, shot gun start.<br style="line-height: 1.22em;" />Each golfer will receive a polo shirt, lunch, free driving range practice and round of golf.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Auction & Raffle Prizes<br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" />You can register online by clicking the following link:</i><a href="http://www.active.com/golf-tournament/las-vegas-nv/kassidys-army-2nd-annual-golf-tournament-2012" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><i>http://www.active.com/golf-tournament/las-vegas-nv/kassidys-army-2nd-annual-golf-tournament-2012</i></a><i><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /> </i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7exFAP9xNsFPD7n6PxGfKuTnjgSc_bhtu-xO686mJagDlh1B5buJqJfsb-AYzYFcx8vsckN2JpswuvKq17dCYoI0VVsBpSMOpRFCfCY51z8ASDe19mZB6awE3ShLOE8cznqb6JHz1SCT3/s1600/Kassidy_Merritt_2nd_Annual_Golf_Tournament_Registration_Form.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7exFAP9xNsFPD7n6PxGfKuTnjgSc_bhtu-xO686mJagDlh1B5buJqJfsb-AYzYFcx8vsckN2JpswuvKq17dCYoI0VVsBpSMOpRFCfCY51z8ASDe19mZB6awE3ShLOE8cznqb6JHz1SCT3/s320/Kassidy_Merritt_2nd_Annual_Golf_Tournament_Registration_Form.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>OR you can register by filling out this form!!!</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><i><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" />We are also looking for donations for auction and raffle prizes, hole sponsors, driving range sponsors and even corporate sponsors.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sponsor Form</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Please email us at kassidysarmy@live.com if you have any questions<br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" />Thank you so much in advance!!!!!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Marketplace products free of preservatives, additives, MSGs and food colorants and dyes.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><i>We had such a great turnout last time we did a Wildtree party that we decided to do another .</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Please take a look at the unique herbs and spice blends and mixes that you can provide your family with healthy meals that taste great and easy to make.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><i>ANYONE can order online!!!!! </i></span></div>
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<i> Go to: <a href="http://www.mywildtree.com/Kerri/">http://www.mywildtree.com/Kerri/</a> and click SHOP, Kassidys Army Fundraiser</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Affordable, trendy, high quality, monogrammable and very attractive totes, bags, baskets etc...<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">V</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">iew the Thirty-One catalog and place an order online <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i><br /><a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/sallywelk/">http://www.mythirtyone.com/sallywelk/</a></i></span><br /><br />between August 1st-10th </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Just click on My Parties and you will see the Kassidy's Army Fundraiser. <br /><br />August special...for every $31 you spend, you can get any item from the spirit <br /><br />collection for 50% off!<br /><br /><br />PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY!<br /><br />Thanks a million!</span></i></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<i><br /></i></div>ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-86745148894639016572012-07-31T21:05:00.001-07:002012-08-01T22:58:48.721-07:00July 31, 2012<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Yesterday we had the dreaded MRI, our anxiety at it's high as always. Especially, since the night before Kass woke me at 3 am to tell me that she needed help because she had thrown up all over the bathroom and her backpack. She hasn't had an episode like that in a long time where she couldn't make it to the bathroom. I helped her clean up and after she said she felt fine and went back to sleep. Thank goodness! </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>After that I could not sleep, my mind wondered all night and all I could do was worry for what was instore for the morning. Surprisingly, Kass felt pretty good for the MRI with no nausea, Yeah!! But when we got to the room there was a new head cover for the MRI machine. It looked like those old diving helmets from the 50's, it was so close to her face; I frieked out! I went up to her as they rolled her in the tube to make sure she was ok and she calmed ME down. She said, "Mom, I'm ok" HAHAHAHAHA I felt silly.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> Forgot, she's NOT claustrophobic, I am. </b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>After the MRI was done she did say her tummy hurt because she kept having to swallow her excess saliva. In the last two weeks we have noticed that she's been drooling in her sleep and that she chokes on her saliva once in awhile. Yesterday I asked some of the other parents with kids with the same diagnosis and they too have the same problem. I looked a little more into it and saw that it happens in brains stem tumor, stroke, & MS patients who have increased pressure by a tumor or 7th nerve palsy. The worry is that if it gets worse, she can aspirate in her sleep which in turn cause pneumonia.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Well, today our fears were confirmed. Kassidy has had a 14% increase in the size of her tumor located by the medulla oblongata and upper cervical spine. She has 3 spots in her brain stem that have small tumor and one area in particular is the one they saw an increase. WHAT A BLOW!!! This is the first time since we started treatment that we have had increase of any kind. A set back! I immediately broke down and couldn't even see straight. Thank goodness Ryan happened to be with me since it's his last day of vacation before her goes back to work tomorrow. </b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We came home to wait for Dr. Burzynski plan of action. Ryan reminded that Dr. B had said that by lowering the dose there could be a chance were the tumor would fight back and increase. Of course, you never think it could happen, especially since she's had such a great summer. In May the pet scan showed that her tumor is no longer cancerous, but this does not mean the benign tumor cannot grow. Which is exactly what's happened!! Dr. B would like to attack the tumor by going back to full dose slowly and wait 4 to 6 weeks to see what the higher dose does to the tumor.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I also, wrote Jessica Ressel, an old patient of Dr. B who had a very similar situation happen to her. Her tumor increased twice, but then completely went away. She is now in her 20's and she was 11 when diagnosed.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I cannot tell you how disappointed all of us are at this time, especially our Kass. She could see the finish line and now she's back at a "what if". We have reassured her that we will continue to fight as long as it's needed. We just wish we could take it all away once for all. But this is God's plan for now! So we will walk by faith!!</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Please, keep her in your prayers as we FIGHT on. And if you get a chance please give her a word of encouragement as her world has been changed once again.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-60179427941189836382012-07-21T23:23:00.007-07:002012-07-22T11:08:35.267-07:00July 21, 2012It's been so long since I've updated the blog. We have just been enjoying our summer to the fullest and pretending to be a "normal" family; it's felt so good!!!! :) But I know many of you have been wondering how things are going, since we've been getting emails, texts and even messages wondering how Kass is doing. But we have to tell you it's been pretty great. Kassidy has been doing very well! She finished her junior year of high school with pretty good grades. We are so proud of our new senior!<br />
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The middle of June we finally hit 330ml on Bag 1 from 500ml; which was the dose Dr. B wanted us in May when we went to Houston, but couldn't achieve because her body couldn't handle the drastic drop of dose. After, Kass was out of school it was easier to wean her faster since at home she could handle her nausea a bit better as we lowered the dose. She just wanted to be at the desired dose as soon as possible so she could let her body adjust to the new dose. Not only that, but Ryan and I were delighted with the fact that this meant that there would only be two bag changes during the day instead of three. A bit of relief in our schedule! Sigh! We welcomed this small break of freedom for us and for Kass. She now is only on an 1 hour, 30 minutes of treatment every four hours versus the 2 hours 10 minutes every four hours that she had before. She's loving the 2 hour 30 minutes of freedom she can use to either shower or just plain be unhooked from her pump.<br />
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The best part was that a couple days after she reached the lower dose of ANP we were able to completely take Kass off decadron. Yipee!!!! This was such a great accomplishment!!! We hope she never has to go on that drug again. We understand it's importance, but sure glad she's off. Dr. B did tell her that it will take a couple months for it to be completely be out of her system, but we can already see the difference especially in that her cheeks are less puffy and she's already been able to start losing some of the weight she gained because of it. We know it's gonna be a slow process, we just hope she doesn't get too discouraged with the long process. Just hard to explain to a teenager that it will take time for changes.<br />
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Kass has gotten to do some pretty awesome things this summer. On June 15, she got the opportunity to throw the first pitch at the Las Vegas 51's game. What a great honor! We all had so much fun that night watching her throw the pitch, we got to eat dinner at the club house restaurant and watch the game from front row club house air conditioned table and finished the evening with amazing fireworks. All thanks to our friend Larry Brown who set it all up for Kass. Thanks Larry!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWggNodcE0-DENSJJxSmokLikShEdSjhqvAH17jxe8Da0hoiJ6YDjQJOHpu5nTTZWBdLLSEmrUgFbnbOOvIju6JGvpP80liIR0cHsl5tEzwATyRq7_6uLikV01FzVZxjOy1KS9xZz1CumP/s1600/7380725076_6b9221e81d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWggNodcE0-DENSJJxSmokLikShEdSjhqvAH17jxe8Da0hoiJ6YDjQJOHpu5nTTZWBdLLSEmrUgFbnbOOvIju6JGvpP80liIR0cHsl5tEzwATyRq7_6uLikV01FzVZxjOy1KS9xZz1CumP/s320/7380725076_6b9221e81d_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFeS7qJcyZZuyxTyH2eFjvwUTmyU_bvFImE1P-zOjEkN5SENSWIdm421WiGRVhuPbBKrUof2TEmA4tc5PjhDoHEB2z5fyR6CtjbWgk5Soknigd0Wd5Vz_NgReSL4hnRBxDC_9wzTewKw9/s1600/7380707492_8e438c7ede_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFeS7qJcyZZuyxTyH2eFjvwUTmyU_bvFImE1P-zOjEkN5SENSWIdm421WiGRVhuPbBKrUof2TEmA4tc5PjhDoHEB2z5fyR6CtjbWgk5Soknigd0Wd5Vz_NgReSL4hnRBxDC_9wzTewKw9/s320/7380707492_8e438c7ede_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosmo giving Kass a high five after her pitch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKTcsEpYLZlqpRQXIiqEx9y6YZi_xsjvXRpAuiy_pGPMI_gPLLcWD2IHvHfqQXzr71WUg1oeQNVP3G_iHYn4CddrGg1aSHMIiiKeZLSfZ5j3CLAWsU3UvvP-a7UuvxptZ3wUBGgezPtST/s1600/7380727618_5849cfa69a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKTcsEpYLZlqpRQXIiqEx9y6YZi_xsjvXRpAuiy_pGPMI_gPLLcWD2IHvHfqQXzr71WUg1oeQNVP3G_iHYn4CddrGg1aSHMIiiKeZLSfZ5j3CLAWsU3UvvP-a7UuvxptZ3wUBGgezPtST/s320/7380727618_5849cfa69a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass, Cosmo & Alex</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS7s2iMYt27pCiG1eutzKRapIK_b4ZU_7L7T1qgtd5UThXf7O4jdcSqdYGwZKoURXitTvVCpL2OjIVQZlGInnvJneZZiZgQDvsySP8aObYEM2fRs8JpAbaWYPkLYOUVHPHy6TNprjOOZp/s1600/7380732278_07955b0d90_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS7s2iMYt27pCiG1eutzKRapIK_b4ZU_7L7T1qgtd5UThXf7O4jdcSqdYGwZKoURXitTvVCpL2OjIVQZlGInnvJneZZiZgQDvsySP8aObYEM2fRs8JpAbaWYPkLYOUVHPHy6TNprjOOZp/s320/7380732278_07955b0d90_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff & Sue came to watch the game with us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIKj7nkDkoQiT9ZSdHEeZg7xmyTUrET0z2BLXnNnx5vdn342wcUng_Peu8xOjU5XlOFNVa-HeOIOUN0jaK6jFjPpvSJu0kO6Kh8Vgnb7VBfH_DqephC2GZ2cmB9qY8_5aQQDBJVkprM4J/s1600/7380810246_33d66afaa0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIKj7nkDkoQiT9ZSdHEeZg7xmyTUrET0z2BLXnNnx5vdn342wcUng_Peu8xOjU5XlOFNVa-HeOIOUN0jaK6jFjPpvSJu0kO6Kh8Vgnb7VBfH_DqephC2GZ2cmB9qY8_5aQQDBJVkprM4J/s320/7380810246_33d66afaa0_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass & Ash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKO4yBdmGmjs5lFT3_aZseHl0dghRNfTzDooihAVIAhlMlRPgalh7fU1OHDuVNNDMFJhqRZrn_dvyr2wEMzn3t8O6L24vRp-DVPRy0P-F5mx-rWwEwdKcNchllMvgJO_gdSJiCOD-TUQV/s1600/7380782806_468894aeac_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKO4yBdmGmjs5lFT3_aZseHl0dghRNfTzDooihAVIAhlMlRPgalh7fU1OHDuVNNDMFJhqRZrn_dvyr2wEMzn3t8O6L24vRp-DVPRy0P-F5mx-rWwEwdKcNchllMvgJO_gdSJiCOD-TUQV/s320/7380782806_468894aeac_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at the Club Restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD6ZOQcJ8jkWHkflSe2A3HRK3zIvAt8pbKdzm8kCKto5MVF_TJQ4ZTx4oSRpwVTTUAlVliNdunjL783pPbE-Ag-n_069AmtqW6G3IlVN2T2PdrRYk7bjpM37Geby859Pnsys3insOKEYI/s1600/7380686394_b6ec36f560_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD6ZOQcJ8jkWHkflSe2A3HRK3zIvAt8pbKdzm8kCKto5MVF_TJQ4ZTx4oSRpwVTTUAlVliNdunjL783pPbE-Ag-n_069AmtqW6G3IlVN2T2PdrRYk7bjpM37Geby859Pnsys3insOKEYI/s320/7380686394_b6ec36f560_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fireworks!</td></tr>
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<br />
The end of June, Ron Pope, one of Kassidy's favorite singers (he sings "A Drop in the Ocean", one of Kassidy's favorite songs on the blog) invited Kass to go to his concert in Phoenix, Arizona. So Kass, her friend Alex and I made a road trip. He listed us as his guests and we had enjoyable evening listening to his concert. Afterwards we were asked to hang around so Ron could meet Kass. He came over, gave us a hug and pulled up a chair and just chatted with us for about a half an hour. He made Kass feel like a million bucks! It was so great for him to take time out of his busy schedule for Kass, we truly appreciate him for that. Please check out his music, he's so very talented:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_912306439"><br /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://www.RonPopeMusic.com/">http://www.RonPopeMusic.com</a></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYHOBS-wShLhi5bz1FJyoMD7slDKWp4aMPhOLMivROTJ203jE-IFsXYIeXrN1WXKr2xA3_4S8-ZKiuZdTSG3Lz_FmpUkh2vzJgPLBJY_SkpyplUYTiGC5xxSK8UmFmdt5f0U9mHaz7eI3/s1600/104_3830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYHOBS-wShLhi5bz1FJyoMD7slDKWp4aMPhOLMivROTJ203jE-IFsXYIeXrN1WXKr2xA3_4S8-ZKiuZdTSG3Lz_FmpUkh2vzJgPLBJY_SkpyplUYTiGC5xxSK8UmFmdt5f0U9mHaz7eI3/s320/104_3830.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Pope</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk7PBuPnrGqcLw9f9mTxaVxiLFSedR5ESaS165oc2ek7EuwvuaTrXw4Ih04USq_Y_bn6kWQHSnF6WOFAzOCAbg_eBQG_c6KtnkIvDsWt1mqTEW12-Vd6K3ItEXVJVu2wuGrko1YHPWB5y/s1600/104_3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk7PBuPnrGqcLw9f9mTxaVxiLFSedR5ESaS165oc2ek7EuwvuaTrXw4Ih04USq_Y_bn6kWQHSnF6WOFAzOCAbg_eBQG_c6KtnkIvDsWt1mqTEW12-Vd6K3ItEXVJVu2wuGrko1YHPWB5y/s320/104_3832.JPG" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron & Kass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWH-eXw64iMF1Cw-TIK5uJ7AYvqsyJXMo4q5IBAX3jGTR6s63j2d3BSscxrs5dwV4ELbC02Hm64QnpSV1_NxSL-Vj9RBsyNued4mysaBF-kwr8p70Imn0ST9tHKZe2vDsFYeyqGtE9HRm/s1600/104_3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWH-eXw64iMF1Cw-TIK5uJ7AYvqsyJXMo4q5IBAX3jGTR6s63j2d3BSscxrs5dwV4ELbC02Hm64QnpSV1_NxSL-Vj9RBsyNued4mysaBF-kwr8p70Imn0ST9tHKZe2vDsFYeyqGtE9HRm/s320/104_3833.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9i9-wny6W85p4mf9m23Wanw-27ucCZVmIeswnTXPlaScXqUBIi6Ufs1zZ5QqLEznWWK9GwMH74aVEMt4PVxSmpcZuP6JQacHp-OulNI9SDAyvAcfK7nUxdd2Z-mmU04yIyncVnX1LcS3/s1600/104_3834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9i9-wny6W85p4mf9m23Wanw-27ucCZVmIeswnTXPlaScXqUBIi6Ufs1zZ5QqLEznWWK9GwMH74aVEMt4PVxSmpcZuP6JQacHp-OulNI9SDAyvAcfK7nUxdd2Z-mmU04yIyncVnX1LcS3/s320/104_3834.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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On July 1, we celebrated Kass being on ANP treatment for a year. Oh what a year it has been! She wanted to celebrate going out to eat at her favorite place, Cheesecake Factory. What a difference from last year's emotions. Last year her day started off really early with surgery for the placement of her first catheter port and from there straight to the clinic for her first infusion treatment and learning how to administer emergency decadron in case of bad reaction. We were so overwhelmed that day! I still remember feeling we had like we were going to have a heart attack from all the excitement and what the nurses were asking us to do. I remember thinking I don't think we will ever be able to properly prepare the medication bags, program pump, draw blood, clean the port, flush her line, change the catheter tip........ That year anniversary day we reminisced on how far we all have come and that we made the right decision for Kassidy.<br />
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July 11th was a really hard day for Ryan and I. We sent Kassidy off to Camp Firefly, a camp for children affected by cancer put on by a wonderful organization called Candlelighters here in Las Vegas that's held at Torino Ranch about an hour out of Vegas. This was the first time since May 19, 2011 that either one had left Kassidy's side for more than just a couple hours. Two nurses from camp came a week before to learn how to prepare Kassidy's medications. I proceeded to brief them on everything I had learned in 4 weeks at the clinic in a matter of 3 hours. Ahhhhh!!! I also sent them with the videos I had taped while at the clinic showing the different steps of the process. They assured me that if they needed help they would call us. <br />
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Kassidy was not allowed to take a cell, we would not have contact with her unless there was an emergency. As Ryan and I dropped her off I could not help, but feel like I was leaving her for the first time in her life. I couldn't help, but feel anxious and after I said goodbye couldn't help but cry on the way back home. The nurse who I handed the HUGE bag of medicine (the bag was so big that we even had comments from other parents leaving their kids meds) reassured that he would call me when they got to camp with the number to the med shed. He did, thank you nurse Stinky!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-0fBpr_T3ucDoiy7FWpXBnX-BWvhgmtPQTWXmuv4btesbT8sRU-xPSL0dVp5Rjcq2IkEsRmwlCSqy636KxBaK0TF65vGLF1lN9K2i325l-dpcG6s_nqVhPZlLG-lP2hRExATCWOgbdwq/s1600/104_3864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-0fBpr_T3ucDoiy7FWpXBnX-BWvhgmtPQTWXmuv4btesbT8sRU-xPSL0dVp5Rjcq2IkEsRmwlCSqy636KxBaK0TF65vGLF1lN9K2i325l-dpcG6s_nqVhPZlLG-lP2hRExATCWOgbdwq/s320/104_3864.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass & Tori leaving for Camp Firefly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH7H_yzmbDjWoxFBIwAtdU9CtWhFOr_fXGyO17eX0qGtgBeoNVFq5Djger53o0E7nuYyi75P0UN4Vy7rluuKC_gYNNeHVGz_cWChmDKGcbzuDT50l5BcBhDRAREgbvgObx6j5AsV_bLYy/s1600/104_3865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH7H_yzmbDjWoxFBIwAtdU9CtWhFOr_fXGyO17eX0qGtgBeoNVFq5Djger53o0E7nuYyi75P0UN4Vy7rluuKC_gYNNeHVGz_cWChmDKGcbzuDT50l5BcBhDRAREgbvgObx6j5AsV_bLYy/s320/104_3865.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huggin her tight before she leaves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b6pmLrcjRPfASFbd6CMdZd7iAeE2kkloAV-YjUhNMbnjYi9m3Y33Skog4hH52JfYCCt0Cx0m4v5RHWUz82Wc3U10Xb4QhFamWaDMT_eHeumwciZRTR_w3E4S1pqi_TCfudBewfCnVepD/s1600/104_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b6pmLrcjRPfASFbd6CMdZd7iAeE2kkloAV-YjUhNMbnjYi9m3Y33Skog4hH52JfYCCt0Cx0m4v5RHWUz82Wc3U10Xb4QhFamWaDMT_eHeumwciZRTR_w3E4S1pqi_TCfudBewfCnVepD/s320/104_3866.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass and her daddy!</td></tr>
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When we picked Kass up from camp on our way to Newport Beach, she excitedly told us all about the amazing time she had at camp. We were so glad! The heat affected her a bit while at camp so she did spend a little time in the med shed, but she got to enjoy most of camp which is the important part. Her friend Tori, who battled thyroid cancer last year and is a veteran at camp accompanied Kassidy the whole time. Thank you Tori! Kass told us stories about the crafts she made, the pranks they pulled on the boys cabin and boys throwing 100 crickets in their cabin, water fights, Cirque du Soleil actors putting on a show and so much more..... So thankful that she could have such a fun experience!!! She can't wait to go again next year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH81JBE8RXasMvj92NRPPsDZDA1kzPvYDdViVrjEdZXKl-lvZ8S8eDr2yTPRGIO2k0_G0_FnNi97KN_Kbhqs-UArCKlwXsTQgK__mUHmkU_fI5VQ2quxNXh9jDW9UspJ0QqB0Bsh3e8ZPq/s1600/534591_759756804391_658311864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH81JBE8RXasMvj92NRPPsDZDA1kzPvYDdViVrjEdZXKl-lvZ8S8eDr2yTPRGIO2k0_G0_FnNi97KN_Kbhqs-UArCKlwXsTQgK__mUHmkU_fI5VQ2quxNXh9jDW9UspJ0QqB0Bsh3e8ZPq/s320/534591_759756804391_658311864_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass aka Panama (camp name) with her Cabin #11 sisters and leaders!</td></tr>
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And today we got home from a small vacation. The beach was wonderful for all of us. The weather was so nice that Kass got to spend most of the time outdoors. She didn't even need one bag of hydration while we were there and even her nausea was very seldom. She couldn't get in the water because of her broviach, but that didn't seem to stop her from enjoying the beach. On Tuesday, for my birthday we all decided to get family tattoos. We all got grey cancer ribbons to show our support for our brain cancer survivor and Kass got one with survivor on it. Wish we didn't have to come back to real life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_fFWjehrKABoZv0mr1aK2dPe8wMjwvTFaIJNQKPWr-eGsMPbq7AgX53sCMvjpDFy5nvInNwoORXh8LsBDPCO9bJgtUSHkQj65WrTTi0L1FhdUHlWIv1CdyCbjYWTdBosy_x9IeiK_y0u/s1600/104_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_fFWjehrKABoZv0mr1aK2dPe8wMjwvTFaIJNQKPWr-eGsMPbq7AgX53sCMvjpDFy5nvInNwoORXh8LsBDPCO9bJgtUSHkQj65WrTTi0L1FhdUHlWIv1CdyCbjYWTdBosy_x9IeiK_y0u/s320/104_3915.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even a backpack full of medicine was not stopping her from enjoying the beach!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCzXtjKi1fspDnacj6Jwh6puP_AWm7jei_vvfZxi6C9aVXM0bRZydGT2fHHxmpRvOhjfU7KTFhmw9OaesEGs86GHi3PKwdM4_oUBE09ENA1ooUwNEPDj-BQE6U7C_TJxyGE036hu3bNae/s1600/104_3951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCzXtjKi1fspDnacj6Jwh6puP_AWm7jei_vvfZxi6C9aVXM0bRZydGT2fHHxmpRvOhjfU7KTFhmw9OaesEGs86GHi3PKwdM4_oUBE09ENA1ooUwNEPDj-BQE6U7C_TJxyGE036hu3bNae/s320/104_3951.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun times!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNToflmjmcXD5JoIl7ABabw9YWbVfAv8MVK3BipOukMlebBN8eoSRXvgr62CKOVLntpI0fAmoa7ncOmGFT7wH1py2Xv_pDVZU-rG1I9UKHmId5UMW42gB6dFSxJq4j4EzF2wLtpZTrAoxy/s1600/104_3953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNToflmjmcXD5JoIl7ABabw9YWbVfAv8MVK3BipOukMlebBN8eoSRXvgr62CKOVLntpI0fAmoa7ncOmGFT7wH1py2Xv_pDVZU-rG1I9UKHmId5UMW42gB6dFSxJq4j4EzF2wLtpZTrAoxy/s320/104_3953.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch in Venice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh9hD7saYRDycoue7qCBNpVutnQduxK44PWkYJXKuGILxudJBn50mk-AHusWxF6SfgBLVuXwOkSLLqp3eWl5i4QekKsl-ecI2qL9WGHK2wUzhvmWmsAiWHjfYI_qGB-xKQAW20VMwciCe/s1600/104_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh9hD7saYRDycoue7qCBNpVutnQduxK44PWkYJXKuGILxudJBn50mk-AHusWxF6SfgBLVuXwOkSLLqp3eWl5i4QekKsl-ecI2qL9WGHK2wUzhvmWmsAiWHjfYI_qGB-xKQAW20VMwciCe/s320/104_3988.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass getting ready for her Segway Tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmJI9netInsnLrYFoZaxj-Nom-AkZ3x8Qzl0EA4N6Y9H2OvOBUFsErN15xY6J7pxF7Mb0VMqMPthPGlDR-BgCgbhN0uYAcv3N7_o1-Ky6ltV01TNuO5h6nKOIp4gidauiJ3mDipYMpKis/s1600/205371_4437404331335_1877774648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmJI9netInsnLrYFoZaxj-Nom-AkZ3x8Qzl0EA4N6Y9H2OvOBUFsErN15xY6J7pxF7Mb0VMqMPthPGlDR-BgCgbhN0uYAcv3N7_o1-Ky6ltV01TNuO5h6nKOIp4gidauiJ3mDipYMpKis/s320/205371_4437404331335_1877774648_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Ink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmj7Co2PVWgDBv9C3rB2c6hPvlnR81pOYMZ94kUHgDAiC3pCqxYxreIWlhB04SJETS1KBrx5OuKXR5ZYm3a2ltta2NQhaT61RNf1vAYA9XbBqGSVa4E_o1qFhhJ8gBqQm4pkztzkUCDga/s1600/104_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmj7Co2PVWgDBv9C3rB2c6hPvlnR81pOYMZ94kUHgDAiC3pCqxYxreIWlhB04SJETS1KBrx5OuKXR5ZYm3a2ltta2NQhaT61RNf1vAYA9XbBqGSVa4E_o1qFhhJ8gBqQm4pkztzkUCDga/s320/104_3961.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of Kass's tatoo</td></tr>
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On Monday, July 30th Kass has her MRI and just the thought of it gives me PMS (Pre MRI Stress). We hope and pray this MRI shows stable or reduction of the tumor so we can continue to wean of ANP. We know that she can live with the remaining necrotic tumor that remains, but if the body decides to absorb it or reduce it that would be great so we know for sure that it won't cause side effects even after she's done with ANP. So again, we place our faith in God and ANP and pray for the best.<br />
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Check out our facebook Kassidy's Army page for more constant updates:<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kassidys-Army/271375682902038">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kassidys-Army/271375682902038</a><br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-62617331875551644842012-06-05T20:35:00.001-07:002012-06-05T20:36:51.407-07:00June 5, 2012Kassidy is much better since the trip to the ER that Saturday. By taking her off treatment for a night she was able to rest for a whole night. Her nausea has not completely gone away and it seems that every other day she is still vomiting. :( But we have seemed to be able to control it a bit better with zofran (nausea pill) and phernergan (another nausea pill). It just comes and goes, but it's definitely better where she can eat and drink now. It's almost like morning sickness..... Ugh!<br />
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She was able to go back to school last week and made it till Friday. On Friday, she texted me and said she felt horrible, but did not want to come home because that would mean more makeup work. School is almost out and she's trying so hard to catch up and finish school with good grades. So proud of her! She's one tough girl. She's so close and then she can rest for summer break.<br />
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We are now at 440/40 on her dose, so we have been able to come down 60 ml. I will keep her at that all week just so she can finish up school this week and her finals. Then during summer break we can wean a little faster since she can rest at home. She's just so ansy to get on living life. She would like to be done faster than 8 more months.<br />
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Last week she was able to go to her softball banquet. She received her 3rd varsity letter in softball. She was more of a coach this year, instead of a player, but so thankful to her coaches and teammates for allowing her to still feel part of the team. We are just so excited that she even tried. At the banquet, our friend Don did a very emotional video of the 2012 season. It was great to have him there to capture all the special moments. He will missed by many as he leaves for Connecticut this summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxGeI5UCNDEtI7iJC5_0G-xMCHxlTJsRJ0CM-O3L7bglaNacp9xUgc1s8q8oUpkOmvQ6wbLpxQeXmxzb30UKM_HSpclyrW2J1ATFsU8Ss0TQilsG37XQQq78u4sHuwkXMraskfB-tadE_/s1600/7306698930_3b7a1e1593_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxGeI5UCNDEtI7iJC5_0G-xMCHxlTJsRJ0CM-O3L7bglaNacp9xUgc1s8q8oUpkOmvQ6wbLpxQeXmxzb30UKM_HSpclyrW2J1ATFsU8Ss0TQilsG37XQQq78u4sHuwkXMraskfB-tadE_/s320/7306698930_3b7a1e1593_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting her 3rd year varsity letter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RqH8B47MjxUSs_1yt1TgLSk2usRs8g6pBSiHNAogSFRY_Zr4WF9cAKKFgnlb4qt3WzKm8zUIry98em77EDP4yBxETKpc-1fMnb3vA2aUZpsuBs5MSBGTGTZ5QfnKWbv9bDUXBG9erA6D/s1600/249124_309880752428819_108381572578739_701698_1893997280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RqH8B47MjxUSs_1yt1TgLSk2usRs8g6pBSiHNAogSFRY_Zr4WF9cAKKFgnlb4qt3WzKm8zUIry98em77EDP4yBxETKpc-1fMnb3vA2aUZpsuBs5MSBGTGTZ5QfnKWbv9bDUXBG9erA6D/s320/249124_309880752428819_108381572578739_701698_1893997280_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fab Five, every year since there freshman yr they take this picture in front of the bulldog.</td></tr>
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Last weekend, we did a surprise party for coach Spencer, one of Kassidy's old softball coaches who helped us organize most of the fundraisers we had last year. I still remember getting a call from him when we were all in Houston in July and he had said "You worry about Kassidy and we will worry about raising the money". We will never forget all the help he and his wife Karen gave us during the first hardest months of our lives. We will be forever grateful for both of them and all they helped us accomplish. They too will be missed as they move back to Texas to be closer to family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW-3-wnvhGYMvQYa3YTXvFX_OQ77F-vJtpavbL1HT_QEh6Qq2jJaGpn07Ek83WmVrt_eePkOW1opR7hwwyjHeqcGKRGEyoC9Chtmf2gyDqclXdh5z4FXjDI1yAe-Q75RNUlAvCBUG3EYV/s1600/104_3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW-3-wnvhGYMvQYa3YTXvFX_OQ77F-vJtpavbL1HT_QEh6Qq2jJaGpn07Ek83WmVrt_eePkOW1opR7hwwyjHeqcGKRGEyoC9Chtmf2gyDqclXdh5z4FXjDI1yAe-Q75RNUlAvCBUG3EYV/s320/104_3801.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Coach Spencer for everything!</td></tr>
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Yesterday, we had the annual alumni softball game. In this game the old alumni softball players are invited back to play against the current softball players. When Ryan and I got there the game was just about to start and guess who's playing first base? Yep, Kassidy! Ha, we were delighted!!! She only played the first inning because she started to overheat and we had to place a cold towel on the back of her head. But almost at the end of the game I see her coming to the plate with a bat in her hand. I guess she asked coach if she could go hit. We were jumping for joy! I tried really hard not to get emotional and scared at the same time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj5hqo5WTR8XKeKSueuYAulFBxW4Uvh3Fg11efFRs4-RwsfoltSZ1_HvPcUIwYUyp1D6DQvw3yXn9UOInu7kLmtPwdDRpqz6VhBBkdQXWpGw-RiS4eGpQUiCbC8n0GlcGdFqUIbHrND_o/s1600/104_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj5hqo5WTR8XKeKSueuYAulFBxW4Uvh3Fg11efFRs4-RwsfoltSZ1_HvPcUIwYUyp1D6DQvw3yXn9UOInu7kLmtPwdDRpqz6VhBBkdQXWpGw-RiS4eGpQUiCbC8n0GlcGdFqUIbHrND_o/s320/104_3802.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smile that's worth a thousand!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyfPKNy6Gs3LeVdFiketAUwLeKaCx0SZkZIMbGMl-NGvDmBPVO0gaoDeuoOj8nIogHsUsd0EpCfnvgAdBR_11B7UXfEfsKtX18mStGZqQYAogke-yVRBX1bgMAuMSmL9HrSiF_S_nkYcG/s1600/104_3803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyfPKNy6Gs3LeVdFiketAUwLeKaCx0SZkZIMbGMl-NGvDmBPVO0gaoDeuoOj8nIogHsUsd0EpCfnvgAdBR_11B7UXfEfsKtX18mStGZqQYAogke-yVRBX1bgMAuMSmL9HrSiF_S_nkYcG/s320/104_3803.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just awesome!</td></tr>
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She stood with the bat on the left, since batting right hurts her port site. And she did it, she hit the ball and made it to first safe! Great moment for us!!!!! She looked a bit rusty, but we didn't care. No one did!! They all cheered her on. Sigh!!! Her smile was contagious and it was exactly what she needed to finish of the season for her junior year. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Kassidy's video of her first at bat since surgery last year!</div>
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I can't wait to see more moments like this..... We only hope and pray.ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-89772370494558901842012-05-26T20:41:00.000-07:002012-05-26T20:41:03.262-07:00May 26, 2012We are finally home from the ER!!! Exhausted once again.<br />
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This morning Kass woke up again with extreme nausea to the point that she was so upset. She had had it!!! Her frustration broke my heart. We want it to make it all better. She has not been feeling well since Tuesday. She really hasn't even had a chance to celebrate her good news. :(<br />
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She has been so nauseous that she hasn't really eaten since Tueday and throws up when she does eat. She's lost almost 8 pounds. It's been so hard to know what she needs. We decided not to change her dose on ANP thinking it was her medicine, but that wasn't it. We also hydrated by giving her bags of fluids since she was still on ANP, but not drinking as much as she should be.<br />
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When we got to the ER they ran a full panel of blood, checked out her pupils, and did a CT Scan to make sure there was no inter cranial pressure. The CT Scan came back perfect, I happened to have a cd in my purse so they could compare to the last one we had done. And her blood panel came back normal except the white blood cell count was a little off. So they ruled that she must be fighting something viral. Ugh!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg016s2gOoQfDru9LAgRpk8TE3lJq52LLjxDoMsnE5FaLvO24DWcjctSAwQsZ9VpuBUccXNBI2XUUJJSU7TDsjO5fN62vRhhFjd7xEgVoMDZcrnMpAf9CSMqTNwt1NI4MWgkwsLk8MF-XT0/s1600/IMG-20120526-00123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg016s2gOoQfDru9LAgRpk8TE3lJq52LLjxDoMsnE5FaLvO24DWcjctSAwQsZ9VpuBUccXNBI2XUUJJSU7TDsjO5fN62vRhhFjd7xEgVoMDZcrnMpAf9CSMqTNwt1NI4MWgkwsLk8MF-XT0/s320/IMG-20120526-00123.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouchie!</td></tr>
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Doctor ordered some phernergan (nausea medication) which knocked her out, she was slurring and passed out fast. Then they gave her 1000ml of fluids and sent us home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tsn8U839A0QiMuBGR5U5j3HEKPmKZ7lD13jnj4XRhqSkZPGZtFsvQmPDnf093_FgBe4ejnRQSIjIOW8EMMiL7iJVrH2Nf7OgxVv-CV06nf21Kn54hZBxvfwGeoozwqRfbsNRhUDXDO5V/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tsn8U839A0QiMuBGR5U5j3HEKPmKZ7lD13jnj4XRhqSkZPGZtFsvQmPDnf093_FgBe4ejnRQSIjIOW8EMMiL7iJVrH2Nf7OgxVv-CV06nf21Kn54hZBxvfwGeoozwqRfbsNRhUDXDO5V/s320/photo.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our baby was out!!!</td></tr>
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She still had nausea on her way home, but she is now sleeping like a baby. We have decided that we will take her off treatment till tomorrow to allow her body to rest and have a good night sleep for once in a long time. We know that being off can also cause nausea, but at this time we feel that letting her rest is what her body needs.<br />
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We pray that she soon finds relief, because we hate to see her suffer like this. Please keep her in your prayers!!!ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-72806728630509580842012-05-24T10:30:00.000-07:002012-05-24T10:30:01.511-07:00May 24. 2012So we are finally arrived at home yesterday afternoon completely exhausted emotionally and physically, but still elated with the news we got Tuesday. It's been a great couple of days!<br />
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After our appointment on Tuesday we proceeded to lower Kassidy's dose to 330 ml on Bag 1 and kept her at 40 ml on Bag 2. She wanted to give it a try, but after lunch she said she wasn't feeling well. :( She ended up throwing up all her lunch! She was so disappointed because by lowering her dose that would mean that she would only be on treatment about an hour and half vs. 2 hours and 10 minutes and have a break of over 2 hours between treatment. A bit more freedom from the backpack. It just gets tricky sometimes fitting in medicine bag changes, dressing changes, blood draws, and even showers in between her treatment times, since it gives us such a small window of time and sometimes sleep is a bit more important than all those.<br />
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We asked her at that first vomiting episode what she wanted to do; if she wanted to go back up in dose or stay at 330 ml like Dr. B had said we could do, but she said she would try to tough it out and try again for the next dose. But that night after dinner she threw up again! So we suggested we try 400 ml on Bag 1, not exactly maximum dose, but a bit closer. So we reprogrammed her pump and in the morning she was feeling worse. Ugh!<br />
<br />
We packed all our things and headed over to the clinic to get her some more fluids since again she had been throwing up everything she ate or drank and we wanted to make sure she did not dehydrate and felt completely bad on the airplane ride. We decided at the clinic to put her back at maximum dose of 500 ml on Bag 1 and worry about weaning her slowly when we got home. She's always been so sensitive being on ANP that is just makes more sense to wean her a couple ml a day than too much at once.<br />
<br />
So today we are at 470 ml and are hoping all goes well. We have kept her home today just because she is exhausted and would like to give her more fluids and to make sure she keeps food and water in her stomach. All this is just a reminder that she is still not out of the woods, that the fight is not yet over!<br />
<br />
We are hoping that by lowering the dose, the tumor does not grow in these next 8 weeks so we can continue to keep weaning. We also hope that eventually the remaining scar tissue is absorbed by her body so it doesn't cause any side effects even when she's completely of ANP. We know that she can live her life with the scar tissue or necrosis, but in truth it is still a foreign mass that remains in the brain that shouldn't be there and unfortunately can't be operated on.<br />
<br />
Dr. B feels that it will probably take another 8 months to wean her completely of ANP if all goes well. Hopefully less, but we will take 8 months more. So she will be carrying the backpack for a bit longer. The great part is that as we lower the dose most likely she will need decadron less and less. That in itself is success! Also, she should feel better and better and maybe be able to start exercising, feeling less tired and who knows what else. WOW!!! God is great!!<br />
<br />
It's been such a great couple of days. All of you know we got the chance to go to Reno to watch Kassidy's Centennial softball team compete in the State Championship playoffs last week. Well we arrived last Thursday just in time for the first game which unfortunately they lost, but it was a double elimination tournament and they worked hard through the losers bracket and made it all the way to the championship game on Saturday. Kass was so excited that she would spend Saturday (1 year anniversary of her diagnosis) watching her team fight for the chance at State Champion. The hard part of this game is that the team they were playing for the championship was undefeated thru the tournament so the Centennial girls would have to beat them twice back to back. <br />
<br />
Can you guess it??? They did it! The girls all played their hearts our and they 10 run ruled Coronado HS twice. The first game they won 13 to 3 and the 2nd game they won 11 to 0. Such an amazing moment to see the girls finally win their State Championship with Kass watching. Not only that, but notice the final score! 11 to 0!!! Kassidy's jersey is #11. WOW!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhlCTAlb8NK8CNKcw7b6x5Joe1CMQLkplgGoTTu0ySXPF9XvGgNESJ5827Va27pK43Mz8YsoC5miIAoEsGUkp1illFu656UUxMVAWyBiyVOBmMChfnrbc-YXfHXfJTWxxMRb6YAf9326F/s1600/538257_318558154887704_100002005675912_694089_2064991890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhlCTAlb8NK8CNKcw7b6x5Joe1CMQLkplgGoTTu0ySXPF9XvGgNESJ5827Va27pK43Mz8YsoC5miIAoEsGUkp1illFu656UUxMVAWyBiyVOBmMChfnrbc-YXfHXfJTWxxMRb6YAf9326F/s320/538257_318558154887704_100002005675912_694089_2064991890_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Score 11 to 0</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjairhnF3RLVhiKR7UCRGBIOBFlSCZeT37gs_wHKrp1BGIAmsC45_di-7QM-_x1qqFV0hPXCyRNQbwJK4zK_VdI8jPQTkIxiBmWeLd-uMHCauToeBldHJK-EWbzbvQT0GKk50EdErGqdOxT/s1600/576414_10150844232290163_569815162_9701269_2035532783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjairhnF3RLVhiKR7UCRGBIOBFlSCZeT37gs_wHKrp1BGIAmsC45_di-7QM-_x1qqFV0hPXCyRNQbwJK4zK_VdI8jPQTkIxiBmWeLd-uMHCauToeBldHJK-EWbzbvQT0GKk50EdErGqdOxT/s320/576414_10150844232290163_569815162_9701269_2035532783_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass getting her State Medal as the stands stood and cheered!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8JBvGu_pZWYLHaDPhchEa-nO_ivm7oNkFvaVweuXi2QfrP-N_6EV3qyqdUyYCROQ301xHyXFiDr349-QyLYYJyUffGSPRbYOK0aY3tyokb1aHLClkESaov5fEE7NUIiMI5ohB4BBaUDk/s1600/251877_10150844245205163_1333744400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8JBvGu_pZWYLHaDPhchEa-nO_ivm7oNkFvaVweuXi2QfrP-N_6EV3qyqdUyYCROQ301xHyXFiDr349-QyLYYJyUffGSPRbYOK0aY3tyokb1aHLClkESaov5fEE7NUIiMI5ohB4BBaUDk/s320/251877_10150844245205163_1333744400_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fab Five!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TMgnjvk3kDPTZEkoP7KQj7g37XV9bffbF9DqcH-BAkODvtcXRA7_sP8xFzedV-VDW7USVDedbi8JZR0F4H4bJ9V4QR-IvAlMms5NFpdDjLKlnlXb-tJMcPw7Ay45meLbm_o8MxRk8QPY/s1600/380195_10150844243335163_1114824137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TMgnjvk3kDPTZEkoP7KQj7g37XV9bffbF9DqcH-BAkODvtcXRA7_sP8xFzedV-VDW7USVDedbi8JZR0F4H4bJ9V4QR-IvAlMms5NFpdDjLKlnlXb-tJMcPw7Ay45meLbm_o8MxRk8QPY/s320/380195_10150844243335163_1114824137_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass and coaches!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysmv996ibdY-7dBR5m_l0wqlFUd8plnT_YPJHXgLTCdPbFZA1fyc0L_FpweuGsGmuebO9CAhBy_S_ut0Kts5HYjTxgTyPLM0Q8Gt9gIpycZ6pf-aO0X2GNC7vlKp0o1G_kMtQTQqnhG1K/s1600/75213_10150844238900163_569815162_9701296_881251620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysmv996ibdY-7dBR5m_l0wqlFUd8plnT_YPJHXgLTCdPbFZA1fyc0L_FpweuGsGmuebO9CAhBy_S_ut0Kts5HYjTxgTyPLM0Q8Gt9gIpycZ6pf-aO0X2GNC7vlKp0o1G_kMtQTQqnhG1K/s320/75213_10150844238900163_569815162_9701296_881251620_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centennial Softball Girls State Champions!!!!!!!!!!</td></tr>
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We were all sooo emotional! Each girl had again vowed to play for Kass that day. That this year would be won in Kassidy's honor. Amazing day! It was exactly what we needed that day. Another great blessing from God.<br />
<br />
Here is the article in the Review Journal:<br />
<a href="http://www.nevadapreps.com//4A-STATE-Centennial-shows-little-mercy-routs-Coronado-for-third-title-152186105.html">http://www.nevadapreps.com//4A-STATE-Centennial-shows-little-mercy-routs-Coronado-for-third-title-152186105.html</a><br />
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Also, that next day on Sunday my aunt Ana from Panama did a walk in Kassidy's honor in David, Panama. More than 300 walkers walked for Kassidy that day and most of them have never even met her. Pretty amazing!!! A prayer was said at 11am for her and I know that God heard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzk8TqOqhtFQdhiLmvfKMvaNvWA-vMcmlF2t0GI0G7VjkNCAYKPoGfp-Ixlqj2m_CLGDt99903SQBQ6Y9kjqMEsC09N3z5WDfNjQs73vymmC6qtuHorrcNQzMXSrPAOkbQ3M6wG_pARz6/s1600/72870_10151740501620402_790300401_24463941_166464424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzk8TqOqhtFQdhiLmvfKMvaNvWA-vMcmlF2t0GI0G7VjkNCAYKPoGfp-Ixlqj2m_CLGDt99903SQBQ6Y9kjqMEsC09N3z5WDfNjQs73vymmC6qtuHorrcNQzMXSrPAOkbQ3M6wG_pARz6/s320/72870_10151740501620402_790300401_24463941_166464424_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They carried giant posters of Kass thru the walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnxiGgLtmB1EDgMkoHTNnRcBraZ_2LBPyTK7Nh29sY5QyAwc9xGPDbIMGQFC60sEo6Fr0QR19epIrvXQ7qd8OtnFzauVV8k9t3KVHLDi79JYjIo2PE6yzPgxRVKJ-OmqELLiY2NgfWptf/s1600/552866_337574959649376_100001906241962_868411_2043264483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnxiGgLtmB1EDgMkoHTNnRcBraZ_2LBPyTK7Nh29sY5QyAwc9xGPDbIMGQFC60sEo6Fr0QR19epIrvXQ7qd8OtnFzauVV8k9t3KVHLDi79JYjIo2PE6yzPgxRVKJ-OmqELLiY2NgfWptf/s320/552866_337574959649376_100001906241962_868411_2043264483_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cute aunt right behind the poster carriers she organized it all. She's been one of greatest supporters. We are luck to have her in our lives.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAplbpbbmCAnG07fWLOZo8e7I2V7Qble728zpY0RoaX8ijpHez-sNxGYUr-i6YqhhUu_tExJ_6eJ4W8Bj9BDsPphyX0_HGvuMEwfV-Hm-ssJtXutoOQRs9GOusFgW8CydmfmgI1PVeyR0/s1600/481221_337576922982513_100001906241962_868436_1686218543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAplbpbbmCAnG07fWLOZo8e7I2V7Qble728zpY0RoaX8ijpHez-sNxGYUr-i6YqhhUu_tExJ_6eJ4W8Bj9BDsPphyX0_HGvuMEwfV-Hm-ssJtXutoOQRs9GOusFgW8CydmfmgI1PVeyR0/s320/481221_337576922982513_100001906241962_868436_1686218543_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRSh3ODrTciL_JlijO0tQwF8YXYZJtlWn18zy8ubSqL362nqp5UgW3ej-y7fBt1b_58MuD5Vu_z41DdXAvUVokIrf6zYtrb6eVNS_ZLL0c4jenQ5cTn-gL4fcZQ67B8izN5BHocVR6lgJ/s1600/550556_337576092982596_100001906241962_868423_1858838080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRSh3ODrTciL_JlijO0tQwF8YXYZJtlWn18zy8ubSqL362nqp5UgW3ej-y7fBt1b_58MuD5Vu_z41DdXAvUVokIrf6zYtrb6eVNS_ZLL0c4jenQ5cTn-gL4fcZQ67B8izN5BHocVR6lgJ/s320/550556_337576092982596_100001906241962_868423_1858838080_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the walkers! Thank you!!!!</td></tr>
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-79428563215727476332012-05-22T22:36:00.002-07:002012-05-23T18:32:20.655-07:00I am writing today with great gratitude in my heart. The joy we feel today; its indescribable.<br />
<br />
We arrived in Houston on Sunday night. Flight was great, but we did have to administer IV decadron in the ascend because Kass started to feel pressure in her head. We were so worried that she would feel sick, but she did ok. She got a headache on the way down, but after being back on the ground awhile her headache went away. So glad!<br />
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Our pet scan appointment was early on Monday morning and she was so tired she slept right thru it which we were glad since she had been throwing up prior to her appointment since she had been off treatment for about 4 hours before. We waited for CDs to be burned so we could walk them over to the Burzynski Clinic and maybe get results right away. We were so nervous and anxious for results.
We got to the clinic and we had to do our routine Monday blood draw. After that , we left Kass in the infusion room for a bag of fluids since she had been sick all morning and we met with the radiologist. He tried to evaluate the pet scan comparing it to our last MRI, but he really didn't want to make guess at it before Houston Imaging made an actual calculation of exact activity of the tumor. We were disappointed that we would have to wait another day. Our nerves would have to hang on for a little longer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFn2yq8tnrDt9gFydX_9UW_pJ2eacRliH7vWQZzjlZJ09d2_othyiAl8NQiRcQAJKQIlcaQHkusYN5IhPTYTnRRy3QrYf82hvv8Fur-P5vFWgizsUlgVRnsq-lqoLRHjdgnjT6stR4Jhn/s1600/photo-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFn2yq8tnrDt9gFydX_9UW_pJ2eacRliH7vWQZzjlZJ09d2_othyiAl8NQiRcQAJKQIlcaQHkusYN5IhPTYTnRRy3QrYf82hvv8Fur-P5vFWgizsUlgVRnsq-lqoLRHjdgnjT6stR4Jhn/s320/photo-16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where Hope Exists!</td></tr>
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So we went to eat and then headed over to spend the evening with the Geddes family who live very close to the clinic. We met the Geddes last year when their son Gage and Kassidy started treatment at the same time. We have kept in contact almost every day and they have been a great support for us since they have been around the block a few times. Gage has had brain tumors since he was 2 years old off & on, but he is now tumor free! Yeah! We are so thankful for great friends.<br />
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Today was the big day! Results day! We got to the clinic and not one of us could really eat. Our stomachs were a mess. Right before our appointment we met with the Heil family whose baby girl Alynn of only a couple months is fighting a ganglioglioma on the left side of her head and Catherine who is fighting lymphoma, it's her 3rd fight with cancer. We all decided we would go to lunch together after all of our appointments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmIlHLTMdQ9y0-zbQkzgN7KO6nm5_MdDDxh-8llJuAaJxhuisskH-lP2G0BXvRp_fzutHdscrl8Pm-C79jzyltcY5RU3yH3iagKmcALnwTNfjPSbHbq0JSFcPWXply75iSCLdMzN_w_Mt/s1600/Houston-20120522-00119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmIlHLTMdQ9y0-zbQkzgN7KO6nm5_MdDDxh-8llJuAaJxhuisskH-lP2G0BXvRp_fzutHdscrl8Pm-C79jzyltcY5RU3yH3iagKmcALnwTNfjPSbHbq0JSFcPWXply75iSCLdMzN_w_Mt/s320/Houston-20120522-00119.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass & Catherine whose battled breast, kidney & now fighting lymphoma. It was her 2nd day of treatment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO93nIDowpYQpWvz6gTiIt9peRIBXAbPRvDsNjxJgrn5EJdVVx8tfr3APmStU2VX4-O49DR3uovTgtkV3SCd6MDSpIJQtdf8jnjTUAVIPusOZHfPcDRP5ggJHqskLh5WD2EDKNIMXP9FQ/s1600/Houston-20120522-00121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO93nIDowpYQpWvz6gTiIt9peRIBXAbPRvDsNjxJgrn5EJdVVx8tfr3APmStU2VX4-O49DR3uovTgtkV3SCd6MDSpIJQtdf8jnjTUAVIPusOZHfPcDRP5ggJHqskLh5WD2EDKNIMXP9FQ/s320/Houston-20120522-00121.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kassidy & baby Alynn, she too has a ganglioglioma and she's been on treatment for a week and half.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawHqk_w_yJ5PBg4WLvLNH3QUEHjtJ-hVa7r1V4vsXE3pj6BaFWU_6cgA9hAeJgXeIhgilee9IwVJEExiu5OJLvPeESmuKZSemHy7JhzwbfFfkPz6zXzYOlLmVJb7wDKx-2geD4-gp7GcP/s1600/Houston-20120522-00122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawHqk_w_yJ5PBg4WLvLNH3QUEHjtJ-hVa7r1V4vsXE3pj6BaFWU_6cgA9hAeJgXeIhgilee9IwVJEExiu5OJLvPeESmuKZSemHy7JhzwbfFfkPz6zXzYOlLmVJb7wDKx-2geD4-gp7GcP/s320/Houston-20120522-00122.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebration lunch!!</td></tr>
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We then sat in the glass office and waited for doctors, our hearts beating so hard I swear could be heard thru our chests. Not long Dr. Burzynski, Dr. Acelar, & Dr. Marquis came in. First thing Dr. B mentioned how good Kass looked. She smiled! He started off by saying that by looking closely at the tumor that it looks negative! WHAT! We were shocked. We asked to repeat! Dr. Marquis then explained that Houston Imaging took a real close look at the tumor and they said anything below a 3% activity is deemed negative and that Kassidys tumor was well under 3% activity. Oh my gosh! A pet scan allows for doctors to see what part of the tumor still has active cancer cells and which part are dead cells (necrosis). That they carefully measured each one of Kassidys lesions and compared them. That the results took a little longer because Kassidy's tumor is not a single mass but a couple of them and they wanted to make sure they assessed each one correctly. WOW!
Dr. B then proceeded to tell us that he would like to lower Kassidys ANP dose right away to 330ml on bag 1 fom 500 ml and keep bag 2 the same for the next 8 weeks. All we could think was " is this really happening?" After the 8 weeks we would do an MRI to make sure there was no growth and if there was not we would lower the dose again and repeat an MRI to make sure the tumor would stay the same size. And to tell you the truth after that we don't remember. Lol!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0lj_7bnuYzA7mkbabnLwyLlja3dC96Xofutc9gafWiwK-81GHPAp0-fsiHm87ZV1eM3N2zHimxtBNhcFuWgJ1FptGixMmNd1sd9MOe40njFtZFnLNUvO8kfgpuyvMQIYyVI7ySefhF8n/s1600/photo-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0lj_7bnuYzA7mkbabnLwyLlja3dC96Xofutc9gafWiwK-81GHPAp0-fsiHm87ZV1eM3N2zHimxtBNhcFuWgJ1FptGixMmNd1sd9MOe40njFtZFnLNUvO8kfgpuyvMQIYyVI7ySefhF8n/s320/photo-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Burzynski & Kass almost a year later! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At that point we could not contain our excitement! Our hearts were jumping for joy in a way I have never felt before. The joy was overwhelming!
We thanked all the doctors especially Dr. B and ran out of the office to tell our new found friends that were at the clinic at the time. Then we called a few loved ones so the could spread the GREAT news!<br />
<br />
The greatest part of all this is that ANP worked for Kassidy! We are so glad after all she's gone thru this last year. All of it was not in vain. We pray that as we wean down the tumor doesn't come back. That either the remaining tumor completely dies off and the necrosis left behind does not cause any side effects or is later absorbed by her body. We are thinking she will still be in treatment for mother 8 months to complete the treatment, but now we see the light at the end of the tunnel. SIGH!<br />
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We are thankful to our Heavenly Father for this blessing! Our faith has carried us thru some hard months and we know that he has always been there holding our hand. We dreamed of this day! It is still so surreal. Kassidy has been so courageous thru all of this, we cannot be any more proud of her. God truly gave us an amazing young lady. One who trusted us to go "outside the box" of medicine protocols to make sure that her quality of life in the future would be spared. Today we know that we made the right decision. That sometimes listening to that silent whisper can make a world of difference, even though not all agreed especially some doctors.
We thank each one of you that support us and that pray for us. I know there are many of you. I ask that you please don't give up on us just yet. The fight is still not over! But we are almost there ;) god bless each one of you because without you we would NOT be where we are today. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!!!!ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-44883059604596009912012-05-16T10:53:00.001-07:002012-05-16T10:53:45.212-07:00May 16, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ztP_cX6awbvCzj5awVWOnZJapERnS_z9AJ908fnMEkWyBGkByjFlAwHtjroTWbrWm2lK26_upURPieGn1qLedeY2dZhYLYclvtYSvpDm_TLnUEVGcuQKtZuf3OHft18H7Ss4EtNvRmwx/s1600/sometimes-you-have-to.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ztP_cX6awbvCzj5awVWOnZJapERnS_z9AJ908fnMEkWyBGkByjFlAwHtjroTWbrWm2lK26_upURPieGn1qLedeY2dZhYLYclvtYSvpDm_TLnUEVGcuQKtZuf3OHft18H7Ss4EtNvRmwx/s320/sometimes-you-have-to.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I sit here with an upset stomach and anxiety as I think of what's to come in the next couple of days. I can't help, but be worried about things I cannot control. I pray that God gives us peace and strength to face whatever is in store for us in the future and that everything will work out. I've learned that faith carries you a long way and we leave the future in God's hands.<br />
<br />
We have seemed to have stalled in the weaning of the decadron, we are stuck at a 1/2mg in the morning and 1/4 at night. I guess that it's just what her body needs right now. Baby steps! She's been doing well on this dosage, but has been having a hard time with the heat. It seems that the Vegas heat drains her and also dehydrates quite a bit. Thank goodness our doctor has upped the hydration bags per week, which is kinda a hassle for Kassidy because she is hooked up to either an IV fluid bag or her ANP medication for a lot of part of the day for 2 or 3 days a week. She is not getting her almost hour and 45 minute break in between treatment like she usually has. She has to roll her IV pole while on the IV fluid bags and she feels she looks way worse off than she is while rolling that pole around the house. She says she looks like the sick cancer kid with the pole. We assure her that all this is temporary.<br />
<br />
We are just thankful that Vegas has not gotten any hotter yet especially since the Centennial Softball girls made it to Regional playoffs; so this past week they played almost everyday which wore Kass out. But she was excited to be there to watch her team win Region. Ryan kept her home last Friday to just give her fluids all day which got her ready to watch her team to victory on Saturday since I was in Boise picking up Kyle from college. Our boy finished his first year of college! We are so proud of him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzw6PI8Es3jt3S7QVeN_Xn6LTV5YAnCdyB5vY2w36D56QcZ4ZkIoj0KadeQ2D9q5AHjXnJEvFP8kV7rz80bwP8qVXF_u-kN0Yy1zCJ8RtX_zFdcs7OWH0x6Pc0jfc4gdT44bkytJPFWqC/s1600/525037_298244980259063_108381572578739_671828_1388563333_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzw6PI8Es3jt3S7QVeN_Xn6LTV5YAnCdyB5vY2w36D56QcZ4ZkIoj0KadeQ2D9q5AHjXnJEvFP8kV7rz80bwP8qVXF_u-kN0Yy1zCJ8RtX_zFdcs7OWH0x6Pc0jfc4gdT44bkytJPFWqC/s320/525037_298244980259063_108381572578739_671828_1388563333_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjldHKqHRYuqVmiTo1bP40q7a-pjU31-nxBZ_PNKSn81mqaC_cqCPa4gplBaUwIp3jQigVpZm1E9lZftlJj9oiSzLOMDlFHMif1pL_xiIvwcZIbQsqNVz7wqyuunqfRe3snPEZD064sJ0L/s1600/551159_298245620258999_108381572578739_671837_1332866921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjldHKqHRYuqVmiTo1bP40q7a-pjU31-nxBZ_PNKSn81mqaC_cqCPa4gplBaUwIp3jQigVpZm1E9lZftlJj9oiSzLOMDlFHMif1pL_xiIvwcZIbQsqNVz7wqyuunqfRe3snPEZD064sJ0L/s320/551159_298245620258999_108381572578739_671837_1332866921_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coaches Celebrating Region Win!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_x_kHKBnBEqC5wgvAKh_WYUIg8v1st0yupkS_x5P9vtoxsGZ4EFyxRUrI9IsddkaquoXFmPMD8PcD6ey41Rru9ZV_PcudHFWWBQWB-fWgSRrMI4n_8-6IxXxwt6opC7ggTvEC80BfAwo/s1600/577573_298246350258926_108381572578739_671846_600974393_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_x_kHKBnBEqC5wgvAKh_WYUIg8v1st0yupkS_x5P9vtoxsGZ4EFyxRUrI9IsddkaquoXFmPMD8PcD6ey41Rru9ZV_PcudHFWWBQWB-fWgSRrMI4n_8-6IxXxwt6opC7ggTvEC80BfAwo/s320/577573_298246350258926_108381572578739_671846_600974393_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Region Champs!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIZ8QIyo-IQt6L7wZWhZCXZERchufnJvS_OX2ArzOcReWXrpcemIO4JUsZbmEyqeL76Wv8jxVi7Bi6L1HpD5YEUU7C-WxUoJ3w6iED-NT-UmW_lp8DnjkR9tdAflbUJPCGFsFVTAdUpYm/s1600/581194_298247203592174_108381572578739_671855_2093636_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIZ8QIyo-IQt6L7wZWhZCXZERchufnJvS_OX2ArzOcReWXrpcemIO4JUsZbmEyqeL76Wv8jxVi7Bi6L1HpD5YEUU7C-WxUoJ3w6iED-NT-UmW_lp8DnjkR9tdAflbUJPCGFsFVTAdUpYm/s320/581194_298247203592174_108381572578739_671855_2093636_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each girl kissed the trophy person that broke! Ha not sure why.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When Kyle and I got home Saturday evening, Ryan proceeded to tell me that he needed to tell me something, but not to friek out. Oh oh, this is never good news! He said that morning while Palo Verde was warming up that one of the girl from their team tripped and threw a wild throw into the dugout and hit Kassidy right in the back of her head right by her incision. OH MY GOSH!!! He said her team members and coaches all ran to her. Ryan immediately checked her out and other than a headache seemed ok. They checked her throughout the whole game and she even mentioned that evening that she hadn't felt better in days. Wheewwww! It could have been worse. Man of all kids to hit in the dugout......<br />
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We want to thank everyone that helped out with Kassidy's fundraiser two Saturdays ago. We had planned a car wash, but the Texaco on Durango and Centennial wasn't allowed to do a car wash so the volunteers stood the corners and also sold Kassidy's Army gear. It was a great success and we are so thankful to each one of you that volunteered and donated to our girl. Always so great to see all those to come out to support; coaches, parents, cheerleaders, dance fusion girls, softball teammates, and whoever I missed. It was also so great to see some of the Foothill softball girls make the trek all the way over to our side of town to spend the day with Kass. Thank you!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4C_yxI5EB55tegYqcd6_mLbJOwyZN9c7Md5HOw8lkk-fmXlH37fI6ebfjKjQmqRMkwdHgVC7tY9acUzGS8nR0Lq9vYx0XYs2gTfv8oEgDbukxV2jSCkWm4diwYHt2REnXuL2-uhT1iIW/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4C_yxI5EB55tegYqcd6_mLbJOwyZN9c7Md5HOw8lkk-fmXlH37fI6ebfjKjQmqRMkwdHgVC7tY9acUzGS8nR0Lq9vYx0XYs2gTfv8oEgDbukxV2jSCkWm4diwYHt2REnXuL2-uhT1iIW/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Softball Girls!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mz2RGGYrGe1ttzKvHr2Lp6tR0rJmyGTi9tEKHjmuiWHP8OWhgkiHkaK3JWmCPor-zRFNu9ZJ6IPdiYKp_7qUgWAk1OVNMa3PZ-AFTaXLy1O8mgVfZNusPtdF0ETDAzvy3AHqrrJzl9A3/s1600/IMG_1349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mz2RGGYrGe1ttzKvHr2Lp6tR0rJmyGTi9tEKHjmuiWHP8OWhgkiHkaK3JWmCPor-zRFNu9ZJ6IPdiYKp_7qUgWAk1OVNMa3PZ-AFTaXLy1O8mgVfZNusPtdF0ETDAzvy3AHqrrJzl9A3/s320/IMG_1349.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls working hard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh2ZSYyu6GZrBscfKQt_oMSSatuG2uGoeD25oHZfzEe_c_fJ1WnjEYelp7kGVhQeWfV3DbSmXJMdzg4oAxgH7WPktFLFXntLyXA5pQtTNMOo8sS0Du8jzpISkrYXyrCPDm_vGi0m2GRQi/s1600/IMG_0558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh2ZSYyu6GZrBscfKQt_oMSSatuG2uGoeD25oHZfzEe_c_fJ1WnjEYelp7kGVhQeWfV3DbSmXJMdzg4oAxgH7WPktFLFXntLyXA5pQtTNMOo8sS0Du8jzpISkrYXyrCPDm_vGi0m2GRQi/s320/IMG_0558.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kass and her friend Pamels that made the trek across town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This week the Centennial softball girls are on their way to Reno to play in the State Championships. I feel almost dejavu. This was the case last year, but the first day of playoffs last year, Kass was in a hospital in for brain surgery. This year she gets to be there for her team. We leave tomorrow for Reno so she can be part of their great accomplishment, she's so excited. I hope they make it all the way to the championship on Saturday. It will be a great way to celebrate one year since she was diagnosed. Oh Saturday, please be kind to us. Cause I know this mama will be a mess.<br />
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Yes it's a crazy week, so on Sunday we leave for Houston. I am asking for a prayer request for Sunday at 11:00am. I ask everyone who prays to please say a prayer for Kassidy on Sunday at 11am Pacific Standard time for our little girl. This trip to Houston is so important and can change our world. Thank you in advance!!!<br />
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-78442291489240417602012-05-01T00:39:00.001-07:002012-05-01T00:41:29.346-07:00April 30, 2012 May commences National Brain Tumor Awareness Month! Here are a some pediatric tumor facts:<br />
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<br />
<ul style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Brain tumors are the deadliest form of childhood cancer and the #1 cancer-related cause of death for children 20 years of age and younger they can be malignant or benign, but in either case life-threatening.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Brain tumors can occur at any age, but are most common among children ages 3 to 12, and adults ages 40 to 70.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">There are 130 different types of brain tumors, making diagnosis and treatment very difficult.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Pediatric brain tumors aren’t like those in adults and thus require different treatments.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Even though survival rates for some pediatric brain tumors have increased over the years, survivors often suffer from lifelong side effects of treatments, including physical, emotional and learning challenges that will limit the quality of their lives all the way into their adult years.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Research that focuses specifically on pediatric brain tumors is crucial to saving the lives of these children.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">The funding for pediatric cancer trials has declined every year for the past eight years.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">At this time, brain cancer research is underfunded on a national level and the public remains unaware of the magnitude of this disease, largely because brain cancer in children is one of the most difficult cancers to treat and because it is relatively rare when compared to other cancers.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">The cure rate for most brain cancers is significantly lower than that for many other types of cancer.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">1 child out of 5 who is diagnosed with cancer dies; only 33% of all patients diagnosed with brain cancer will survive five years.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Only two new brain tumor treatments have been approved in the past 25 years.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_epkSq0rGiFP1GUGZDZBXF9k8nBrBs7JfsGZ_06x1PqAPUAvyN1MmxIwOvE3kksy1PISrNpG01IWGN1WHxS3AGWD84GXkgxVQoOLmS8gDeEULIxZgNvNBUvPcoFMXxKcaF3ouGhnTUcc/s1600/552476_350824028288064_109960325707770_902262_848104190_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_epkSq0rGiFP1GUGZDZBXF9k8nBrBs7JfsGZ_06x1PqAPUAvyN1MmxIwOvE3kksy1PISrNpG01IWGN1WHxS3AGWD84GXkgxVQoOLmS8gDeEULIxZgNvNBUvPcoFMXxKcaF3ouGhnTUcc/s320/552476_350824028288064_109960325707770_902262_848104190_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Hero!<br />
Kassidy's plaque from <a href="http://www.wallofcourage.com/">www.wallofcourage.com</a></td></tr>
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I can't believe that it's May already! This month will be a year since Kassidy's diagnosis on May 19th; the date is practically around the corner. Time has flown by!!! Last year, May was just another month full of kids activities, sports, and just everyday life events. How everything changed in a blink of an eye. I can't tell you that we knew anything about childhood brain tumors except for watching the St. Jude commercials with the heart wrenching bald babies asking for donations. Funny, how we become aware really quick when someone close to us is affected by a disease. We never think it's gonna happen to us. I almost feel that we were living inside a bubble, completely unaware of the realities of life itself. I would almost say a selfish way of living.<br />
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This past year has definitely not been easy, but we have learned valuable lessons that sometimes take a lifetime to grasp. We have grown as individuals and definitely become a closer family. We have also found that friends and family are extremely important, that their support is vital to dealing with the ups and down of cancer. We are so thankful for all of you! More than you know. <br />
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I know that all of you know, we have decided that a pet scan is necessary to see where we stand in Kassidy's tumor progression or regression. We will be traveling to Houston on May 20th to get a pet scan and afterwards meet with Dr. Burzynski, Dr. Marquis, & Dr. Acelar to go over the results of the pet scan. The pet scan will show if Kassidy has stopped responding to the ANP treatment or if it's killing the cancer cells and just leaving scar tissue behind that we cannot see on an MRI. We will also discuss at that time if we need a plan B or if we just continue treatment. SIGH!!!!! The thought of all this terrifies us.<br />
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We are currently still struggling a bit on the weaning of the decadron, we are only at 1/2 mg in the morning and 1/4 mg at night, but when we lower it even 1/4 mg she has bouts of nausea and vomiting a couple days after. We have been trying to lower the dose during the weekends so she doesn't have to suffer through the side effects of the weaning while at school. Even though, she has experienced some effects during school time last week. She tries to stick it out and takes her zofran (nausea medicine) and most of the time just finishes the day. We are so thankful she only has 2 classes per day especially days like that. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6rJ03w2MYkURNtQd3yc3eVnzJtccUk-nFdeb5hoX2lQ32MmxK1YDxSN6so_Q-kjOQovW4MCSqKRotVFVm5K3vtx6DRQLdYaaY7xhyphenhyphenGCeZUUJ-2LmDx6B_AGHg4rQE6YPX1bBA0Fmy7IH/s1600/IMG-20120422-00046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6rJ03w2MYkURNtQd3yc3eVnzJtccUk-nFdeb5hoX2lQ32MmxK1YDxSN6so_Q-kjOQovW4MCSqKRotVFVm5K3vtx6DRQLdYaaY7xhyphenhyphenGCeZUUJ-2LmDx6B_AGHg4rQE6YPX1bBA0Fmy7IH/s320/IMG-20120422-00046.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kassidy enjoyed playing with baby Thiago last weekend!</td></tr>
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Also, it's been great that her local doctor here is now prescribing IV fluids every week so I can administer those during the weekends and replenish her electrolytes, potassium, and calcium here at home. She feels so much better after them. We are learning what Kassidy's body needs to withstand treatment. Her labs every week have stabilized for the most part and happy to report that her hemoglobin keep coming up every week, something we struggled with quite a bit, a couple months ago when she almost needed transfusions. We have learned the vitamin supplements she needs, that cloro oxygen drops have brought up her hemoglobin numbers, natural anti-inflammatories helped with lowering her decadron dosages, elimination of milk has helped with her allergies, and most of all her diet. So amazing how the body works!!! You have to give it the tools to help fight!!!<br />
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All in all everyday is struggle, but she's pretty positive most days. There are days when she gets tired of it all and just wants her life back which we don't blame her. She gets tired of all the pills, sleepless nights, backpack carrying, not being able to play the sports she loves and do the things she used to.<br />
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I think sometimes things are put into perspective of how lucky she is and that everyday is precious. Last Friday, we got the news that Jaxson Piro, the Las Vegas boy fighting a brain tumor whose walk we participated in March passed away. He won his battle against brain cancer and earned his wings. Jaxson was only 11 years old! Our hearts broke for the parents of this boy, Meghan and Steve. I could not imagine the pain they are feeling. How does a parent ever get over loosing their child? I don't want to think about it. I do know that Jaxson is now free of pain and suffering and that he will look over his family as a guardian angel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwTSW3l_vXAsSpKlBjhg9ta2imm2XPUsp_Iom-M-2HQeJq3IponebeKHPJ5t77RX9QEt5htSe8g7w_f80YgQywEpGppVnFmakqXoYFeK4PtlE2Nop4wka1PSm-7x4hyjUfdxecIdp9FTs/s1600/382157_224372334297746_224372230964423_570771_562752493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwTSW3l_vXAsSpKlBjhg9ta2imm2XPUsp_Iom-M-2HQeJq3IponebeKHPJ5t77RX9QEt5htSe8g7w_f80YgQywEpGppVnFmakqXoYFeK4PtlE2Nop4wka1PSm-7x4hyjUfdxecIdp9FTs/s320/382157_224372334297746_224372230964423_570771_562752493_n.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP Jaxson Piro!</td></tr>
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<br />ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-32727205802581337792012-04-17T21:39:00.000-07:002012-04-17T21:39:19.327-07:00April 17, 2012Tumor is STABLE!!!!!<br />
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We are glad, but antsy to know if the tumor is even active anymore. We have decided we have to go to Houston for a pet scan. Our local oncologist has suggested we go somewhere else since Vegas pet scan are a bit outdated and quite expensive, $3,500 here in Vegas and in Houston only $1,400 and newer equipment. A pet scan will allow us to find what parts of the tumor have died if any and what parts are active; something that a MRI cannot show.<br />
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After explaining to Kassidy that her tumor was stable this time she asked if we could find out, and to tell you the truth, we as well are curious. This tumor could be dying and we just don't know. Her body might not absorb the dead tumor and just leave like scarring that can show on a MRI as tumor like.<br />
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We also would like to meet with Dr. Burzynski and hear his plan for Kassidy and ask his opinion, we respect it and he knows what is best. So we will keep you posted on when we decide to leave and go meet with him. I am just glad our little girl has been feeling really well lately!!!!!!!<br />
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Keep the prayers coming!!!ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159425851601771483.post-29075021275799513412012-04-16T22:20:00.002-07:002012-04-17T07:39:41.648-07:00April 16, 2012Well, today was the dreaded MRI day!!! Yes, this day has always been so hard on all of us, but always extra hard on Kassidy. This morning she got her morning dose just like always, but after 11:30am she could not have a dose of antineoplaston till after the MRI. I tried to prepare myself mentally the day before to watch Kassidy suffer thru the rest of the morning and while in the tube of the MRI machine. Last MRI was such a nightmare and the worst she's ever felt. But to an amazing surprise she felt great all day!!! :) :) :) Can you believe it?? Kass was even suprised. This has not happened since she started treatment last July!<br />
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When we got to Steinberg, we couldn't help to be silly. We joked about everything. She tried to hide from me in the main waiting room, we changed the channel of the master tv in the MRI waiting room when the nurse stepped out for a minute (HA!) , and we even joked about the questionnaire we have to fill out everytime we go in. My heart literally was jumping for joy. I was so excited to see the change that I could almost not contend my happiness. I thank God for the amazing gift today!!!<br />
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We are not sure what is different or why the change, but deep in our minds we hope it's a great sign for things to come. We are hoping that the news are stable or reduction. We have noticed quite a change in Kassidy in the last 2 weeks and half; for the better. Yeah, yeah, yeah!!!<br />
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She thoroughly enjoyed her Spring Break. She got to help out at the Spring Jamboree Softball Tournament her team hosted at Majestic Park, sit and watch ALL the games her team played in the tournament, and even had a great Easter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAFPwZsSmbPBtcIpYWPJ80QhNvePUg9XG8A3uSJd9nxIzz_iXpqKmnyzALa3PZNbUeIEokqLowaTUahJUyXF9dttZs1u8fWx8wBwTB8-m35qW4lSEm2gHlRhPOwmU9zhjB5UG9OeeDdzt/s1600/555031_373222922717313_271375682902038_1071440_700430756_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAFPwZsSmbPBtcIpYWPJ80QhNvePUg9XG8A3uSJd9nxIzz_iXpqKmnyzALa3PZNbUeIEokqLowaTUahJUyXF9dttZs1u8fWx8wBwTB8-m35qW4lSEm2gHlRhPOwmU9zhjB5UG9OeeDdzt/s1600/555031_373222922717313_271375682902038_1071440_700430756_a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kassidy's Bunny Lala inspecting her Easter basket that the Easter Bunny left her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8e7LgPrj_N3XIMue4yV4mS3D_gOT4lgkCi7Iz36-sv7DwWGQtzmxe5OPw9-JbQqDIHvMnMCBdBxE1LRdUjH1yRj2epnjjJnuLhHl_uqt4fsIB2xyZ4IBxz9AUMmgpE-JW44lsatCeuucE/s1600/544766_277311939019034_108381572578739_620631_1389906504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8e7LgPrj_N3XIMue4yV4mS3D_gOT4lgkCi7Iz36-sv7DwWGQtzmxe5OPw9-JbQqDIHvMnMCBdBxE1LRdUjH1yRj2epnjjJnuLhHl_uqt4fsIB2xyZ4IBxz9AUMmgpE-JW44lsatCeuucE/s320/544766_277311939019034_108381572578739_620631_1389906504_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our baby girl leading the pack of Centennial Softball girls!</td></tr>
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This week also I'm happy to report that she is only on 1/2 mg of decadron morning and night and by God's grace she will be weaned and completely off by next Monday!!! This is big for Kass!<br />
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The only disappointment we've had since I last blogged, was last Friday when someone broke into Kass's car and stole so many of her belongings. She was devastated and felt so violated, but again we know that it its just "stuff" and "stuff" can be replaced. That day we were all so angry, but by the next day it just seemed like such a small thing to worry about when there is far more important things to worry about in this world. Plus, we truly believe in karma and that person will get it's own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLn8xwUOg3JETfZkSNtouRcWHMm9aPH0chhkyFlqpEMdyiQFQY4a63A-Jo56TpvpzeRuDCOt8iXEfP9y1njliugLbubCwM4fF716JDhZe_Ii3jYUlgWT3gfs8rzKuCzt7zKgUumtErZPW/s1600/24347654205641291_WULMLlRR_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLn8xwUOg3JETfZkSNtouRcWHMm9aPH0chhkyFlqpEMdyiQFQY4a63A-Jo56TpvpzeRuDCOt8iXEfP9y1njliugLbubCwM4fF716JDhZe_Ii3jYUlgWT3gfs8rzKuCzt7zKgUumtErZPW/s320/24347654205641291_WULMLlRR_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>ryanandmasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038207422745323141noreply@blogger.com0