Some Answers at Last. . .

Ashli had another trip to Chicago yesterday, (Yes, she and Lori were crazy enough to brave the toll-road in this weather!) but still doesn't have access to a computer, so she asked me to log in once again. . .it seems like we are getting some answers at last.

First, I should mention that Ashli is feeling MUCH better about University of Chicago after yesterday's appointment. With their recent unorganization, it raised some concerns for everyone as to if this was really a place we wanted her/she wanted to be. . .it seems the appointment yesterday eased most of those worries.

Let me start out by saying, one thing I did not realize is that one of the biggest reasons the doctors are having such a hard time figuring out what this "growth" is, is b/c they are not familiar with the side effects of the Proton Radiation treatment Ashli had in Loma Linda. There are only a few sites in the US who even offer proton radiation, so part of the reason for the difficulty sounds like it is b/c of not knowing what side effects come from the treatment afterwards. It sounds like the doctors in Chicago are trying to work with Loma Linda to figure things out, but they are not having much luck, which leaves them to try to figure it out on their own. At this point, they still feel strongly they will need to do a biopsy of some sort. The reason behind this, is that the chemo and re-radiation treatment would have negative effects on Ashli's body and they don't want to put her body through the harsh treatment unnecessarily. Ashli is due for another scan towards the end of March. The doctors gave Ashli some new pain medication and nausea meds to try to hold her over until they can evaluate the next set of scans for any "change" and then proceed with deciding the right type of biopsy (nose--more invasive vs. temporal lobe--less invasive).

It sounds like they are headed in the right direction. It also sounds promising that they would allow Goshen to administer chemo in Goshen. If they decide upon re-radiation, that will be much touchier and Dr Haraf (I presume the radiologist in Chicago) will make the determination if he is comfortable with Goshen administering, but sounded less promising for the re-radiation.

So that is where we are at. Ashli's next appointment will be in late March. Continue to keep her in your prayers that her spirits will be lifted in the coming weeks to prepare her for what is ahead!

Thanks for your support and prayers!

--Alysia