We hate to use the words "good news" when it comes to anything related to Morgan's tumor because the only good news we could ever hear would be that it was gone, so instead of good news we'll say that we had some unexpectant positive news at her recent visit to St. Jude. She had yet another MRI this past Monday and the images showed that the tumor has actually shrunk a little! She is still in what they call the "honeymoon" stage from the radiation (meaning the radiation is still having some positive side effects) so while we were extrememly happy to hear this news, it doesn't mean that the tumor won't start to grow again sometime in the next few months. We were reminded that, typically, a DIPG will start to progress 6-9 months after diagnosis (with radiation treatment) and that the median age of survival is 11 months and maximum is about 2 years. Morgan was diagnosed on September 16, 2011 so she is right in that area of possible progression. We are hoping that she continues to be the atypical patient that she has been from day 1. There is no rhyme or reason why Morgan has been doing so well through all of this, but whatever the reason, we just hope she continues on this path!
Hunter came with us to St. Jude this visit and had an appointment of her own with the child life specialist. She was beyond excited to come & have some special time of her own at the hospital. She also helped take extraordinary care of her little sister! We are extremely proud of both Hunter & Morgan!!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of our friends at St. Jude!
