We're all back home and so pleased that Niamh's treatment so far seems to have been working and that she is still on track to beat the cancer.
We saw the MRI pictures and although there is no official report they do look positive to the untrained eye. After her second surgery Niamh had two small areas of residual tumour, one of those was easily visible on her post op MRI. This area of tumour seems to have disappeared. The second area is still difficult to make out as there are major veins there. Niamh's consultant said that there were some very small areas of tumour which could be seen.
This is very positive news that the chemotherapy is working. Cycles 1-3 were worth it! Niamh and the rest of us can continue Niamh's chemotherapy with renewed hope and strength.
Something that was quite clear from the scan was that CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) was building up on the outside of Niamh's brain and in one of her ventricles. The neurosurgeons have told us that they need act on this and that now is the best time to surgically fit a Cerebral Shunt. Niamh's immune system is currently recovered from chemotherapy and she is between cycles reducing the risk of infection from the surgical procedure.
The cerebral shunt should remove the excess fluid under the bump on Niamh's head as well as releasing the pressure in one of her ventricles. She should benefit from this neurologically, we can only wait and see.
So.... Niamh is booked in for her shunt surgery this Wednesday. Hopefully after one and a half hours operating time and an interlude of 10 days recovery Niamh will continue with cycle 4 of chemotherapy.
Thank you to everyone who has been thinking of Niamh and praying for Niamh today and every day. Knowing that Niamh has support from so many friends and family and their communities keeps us determined and full of hope.
Really happy to hear that the chemo is doing its job. Lots of hugs to niamh & emilie. May allah keep on bringing you good news.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about all of you today and could not imagine what was going through your minds. I'm so proud of Niamh, she is such a fighter and you all deserve lots of love for everything that you have been through. When you get a chance let me know when I can visit (home or hospital) Lots of love, cuddles and kisses
ReplyDeleteJanet xx
Great news. Glad to see everything is looking positive.
ReplyDeleteRoss, Hannah, Jessica and Christoper
Wonderful news and continued fingers crossed and positive thoughts for the shunt. Matt.x
ReplyDeleteNiamh, Emilie, Alex and Helene - we're so very pleased to hear the treatment is working. Niamh is an exceptional and very brave young lady indeed. She's fortunate she has two of the most supportive and loving parents in the world. Keep up the good work!!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you all lots,
Love and smiles
Andrew and Charlotte xx
Quelle merveilleuse nouvelle!je suis si heureuse et fiere de Niamh ainsi que de vous trois.Alex et Helene vous avez ete des parents exceptionnels,aussi bien pour Niamh que Emilie.
ReplyDeleteEt je sais combiem ces 4mois ont ete penibles et douloureux pour vous. Emilie a ete super aussi,tres stimulante pour sa soeur bien que cette periode ait ete vraimemt tres eprouvante pour elle aussi . Je vous embrasse tres fort tous les 4.