Monday, February 19, 2007

We have our work cut out for us.

The biopsy results are in.

Kyrie has been diagnosed with a PNET, a primitive neuroectodermal tumor, more specifically an "embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes," according to the pathology report. Her diagnosis is extremely rare—less than 100 cases a year in the U.S., which makes data and prognosis infomation sparse. Yes, it's malignant. Yes, it is fast growing, which actually makes it more likely to respond to chemotherapy treatments—the only decent thing about a fast-growing tumor.

Her procedures for her Hickman line and lumbar puncture went well. Her shunt is almost working too well, though. They didn't get much CSF from her spine, so they might have to do another tap tomorrow.

Chemotherapy will begin Thursday, and the first round will be inpatient. There are several types of chemo that they're going to try, the first being administered two times a day for two to five days followed by a two-week respite. They'll do another MRI to see if that kind of chemo worked. If not, onto the next one. The doctors will teach Lacie & Jordan how to administer and flush the meds through her Hickman line so that she'll be able to do some of her meds that come along with chemo at home. So in the next few weeks, right next to the milk and leftover macaroni in their fridge, you could see her medication packs. (*Correction: Kyrie will not be getting chemo at home, just other assorted meds like anti-nausea, etc.)

Tomorrow Kyrie will be sedated for a "hearing test," a test that doesn't really check her hearing but checks electrical impulses sent to her brain.

As if these past couple weeks weren't obvious enough, this is an extremely serious condition, one that requires colossal help: mine, yours, theirs and His.

1 comment:

dakeelre said...

First of all let me start by saying that Kyrie was a beautiful little girl, which I know you are well aware of. Second I want to say thank you so very much! My 6 month old daughter was in the PICU at Wesley Medical Center when Frosty and friends came through this week. It was such a blessing to me, my family and friends who were with me when they arrived. The gifts themselves were overwhelming but then to read Kyries story I knew that you guys must be an incredible family! I had to make sure that I was able to tell you thank you from the bottom of my heart I have truly been blessed by Kyrie and you this week! I know from your vidoe clip that you know full well that this is just the beginning and that Kyrie is watching over you all while she waits! I am incredibly sorry for your loss and eternally greatful for your gift! I pray that God blesses you with an incredible Christmas! Thank you so much. God bless you! Tiffany