May 5, 2006

Once again we are home from Memphis. Samantha's MRI results did not show much change. It is impossible to say what effect radiation had on the cells because as her doctor says an MRI is not a microscope. The fact that there was no growth is a good sign that radiation and the first round of chemo had stabilized the tumor. She started her next phase of chemo tonight and we are hoping she responds well.
We also had to increase her seizure meds again as she was having breakthrough seizure activity starting on the flight to TN. What a scary feeling (and I thought just flying was bad). She had several episodes at St. Jude and again on the flight home. Our hopes are that her new dose will kick in and be enough to protect her without adding another medication and all the side effects that come along with it. It is very hard to comprehend how one little body can handle so much medicine and I used to be afraid to give her a decongestant and tylenol together!!
With all that she went through in such a short time she is still smiling and has no complaints. Please continue to pray for her and thankyou for all the love and prayers you have surrounded us all with, it means more than you could ever imagine.
All our love,
Audra, Kurt, Christopher, & Samantha