September 20, 2009

Hey Everyone!

We just wanted to let you know that Evan's latest MRI went well. He's been off of chemo for three months now, and the tumor still looks the same. Three months without nausea and no new growth is great news!

We weren't supposed to have another MRI until the end of September, but they moved it up because Evan has been having problems with double vision. It started back in June, but got progressively worse over the summer. With the help of Evan's cousin (thanks Roger!) we got in to to see a great eye specialist who spent a lot of time with us. He determined that the problem is being caused by pressure on "cranial nerve #4." (Sounds very official doesn't it?)

Based on the MRI, this particular nerve passes right through an area in Evan's brain that is starting to show signs of damage from the radiation treatment he had two years ago. Evidently, radiation damage can show up as much as 10 years after the fact (comforting thought). But at least it's not being caused by a new tumor or something of that nature. So Evan is now the proud owner of a high-tech pair of glasses with a prism coating over the right eye. It has worked like a charm!

In other news, the kids are back in school and I started working again. Ryan is in 9th grade this year, Lindsay started 1st grade, and I'm the new secretary for the Counseling Center at Pleasant Grove Junior High School. Working again has been an adjustment, to be sure, but it's actually working out really well for all of us!

That's the latest. I hope you're all doing well! Thanks for all your support!

Love,
Margot