Back in Philly

We finally made it to Philly even after a cancelled flight and a 6 hour layover.  It was a very long travel and an arrival in well after Midnight.  We were blessed to have a later appointment today and Peyton was able to sleep in a little. 

Now on to the details of the exam...

Dr. Shields says the tumor is 100% regressed and Cancer Free. The scar tissue from the tumor is now about the size of an eraser.  When we started all of this the tumor was the size of an adult thumb.  We have been hoping the her retina would reattach, but were told today that the hope of her retina attaching was very slim a this point.  To be honest my heart sunk a little when I heard the news that she would probably never see out of the eye, but then my head kept saying "SHE IS CANCER FREE!"

Dr. Shields would like us to have a follow up with Dr. Varenhorst in 3 months and then back to see her in 6 months.  We will be doing another MRI in a month as a precaution because Peyton has been complaining frequently of headaches.  Dr. Shields think that she is still trying to use the eye and that is why the headaches are coming, but better safe than sorry.

Tomorrow is a fun day in Philly filled with only things that Peyton wants to do. 



Thank you all again for all the prayers and support.

With love,

Ang,  Peyton and Rich

Summer Is in Full Swing - Peyton Update

Summer has officially started in the Adams House.  Peyton is playing T-Ball and has made many new friends.  She is also attending Asbury Preschools full time program this summer and loving every minute of it.  She is learning a lot of fun stuff too. 

Peyton, Grandma EE and I are headed back to Philly July 12th for her routine check up.  I am sure you all know that these check up are just to make sure that Peyton's tumor remains dead and that there are no other problems with her eye.  We hope that with the nicer weather we will be able to take in some site while we are there. 

We are so thankful for all the prayers and support.  Please say an extra one for Peyton on the 13th.

With Love,

Angie, Rich and Peyton

Preparing for Next Trip

We haven't had much to update as of late.  Peyton still has no vision in her left eye, but seems to be coping quite well.  She has been getting some headaches as of late, so we will be sure to monitor closely and speak with the doctors about this when we return to Philadelphia.  The pediatrician in Wichita finds nothing else wrong at this time.

We have another long trip to Philadelphia in July.  Angie is preparing to make the flight and stay arrangements.  Rich has been working on some more fundraiser events, with the possibility of a golf tournament.  We have tried working with many cancer organizations, but it is completely impossible.  We have completely given up on getting our flights paid for!  The roads are endless with these people and it seems like many of these organizations are not as helpful as they say they are!  However, we are extremely grateful to our family and friends, the Ronald Mcdonald House of Philadelpia, the Ronald McDonald House of Wichita, Michael's Way of Philadelphia, Asbury Church, and John T Arnold & Assoc.  (Hope I didn't forget anyone)

We ask that you continue to pray for Peyton's health and for continued strength with Mom and Dad.  We truly appreciate all of our family and friends who have supported us during what a been the worst year of our lives.

With Love,

The Adams Family     

Genetic Testing

We finally received a verbal report of Peyton's genetic testing.  Based on the findings Peyton's cell mutation, which cause Retinoblastoma, is isolated to her eye.  That means that the cancer cells are/were only present on that gene.  She is also no more likely than anyone else to develop other cancers.  This particular genetic testing is 90% accurate.  We should have the written report this week and I will post more detail.

We will head back to Philly in July for her routine checkup. 

On a lighter note, Peyton has a lot of things coming her way in the next few weeks.  She is preparing for her graduation from  Asbury Preschool.  There is a week full of activities to mark the end of this chapter.  We also will be celebrating her 5th birthday, and T-ball starts next week. 

Thanks again for all the support and prayers for Peyt.

Angela Adams

Good News



Peyton recovering from MRI sedation



I am a little behind on posting the results of Peyton's latest round of testing.  We finally got the MRI scan results.  Peyton is still officially CANCER FREE!  We will be heading to Philly sometime in July so the doctors there can evaluate the remaining "dead tumor" in her eye.

We are still waitng for the results of the genetic testing, but given the timeline we should be seeing them anytime now.  When I know something, I will post the news.

Life continues to be busy as Preschool is winding down.  Peyton will be graduating.  Yes, I said graduating from Preschool on May 26th.  This month is packed full of fun activities for the kids as the prepare to embark on new chapter, Kindergarten. 

Peyton will also be playing T-ball this summer.  For those of you who know me well, pray of patience and understanding in this noncompetitive sports adventure.  Hopefully, I will NOT be one of those parents. 

Peyton will also be turning 5 this month.  I cannot believe how the time has flown by.  She is super excited for her party and especially excited to see her Aunt Tina and the boys who will be here for her birthday.

I cannot ever say this enough.  Thank you all for your prayers and support through this journey with Peyton.  I truly believe that each and every one of you held us up during the hardest moments in life so far. 

God Bless,

Angela

Peyton's Latest EUA

Peyton went under anesthesia today at Wesley Hospital in Wichita.  Dr. Varenhorst did his exam and all went fairly well.  The tumor and seeds all appear to be dead still.  However, her retina is STILL not re-attaching.  The doctors are pretty much saying that we need to understand that it is most likely not going to happen.  Dr. Varenhorst agrees that the patch procedure is not a great idea with Peyton.  With that being said, he is going to confer again with the doctors in Philadelphia, and they will come up with a plan. 

Peyton was a trooper once again, and has made so many friends at the hospital.  Mommy and Daddy surprised Peyton with an early Easter basket of goodies and a life-sized Dora balloon.  She was soooo excited.

A special thanks to Dr. Varenhorst who has been ever so helpful during this whole process.  Also, a special thanks to Pastor Jerred for spending some time with us this morning.

Now, we have an MRI on Monday and a trip to Philadelphia in two months.  Thanks to all for the continued prayers. 

The Adams Family

The News

Today started the long list of appointments Peyton will have in the month of April.  We met today with Dr. Whitfield, a pediatric opthamologist.  The basic point of this appointment was to have a baseline for her vision in the left eye.  Dr.  Whitfield's diagnosis was what we expected.  The left eye does recognize light.  He is doubtful on the motion. He is not recommending that patch her right eye in order to strenghten the left because she is legally blind in the left eye.  It was a little hard to hear "legally blind".  I think that is the first time that term has ever been used by a medical professional.  

The good news is that Dr. Whitfield thinks her eye is beautiful.  He said with all the treatments she has had on this eye the lens, viens, and structure are is great condition.  Basically, the main hurdle is getting the retina to reattach.  This is a waiting game and only time will tell.

Peyton will also have an Examination under anesthesia on April 19th with Dr. Varenhorst.  This appointment will determine if the fluid from the tumor is still dissipating and if the retina is continuing to attached. 

Dr. Rosen would also like to have another MRI performed sometime in April.  This is really just a precaution to make sure that this aweful disease is no where else.  We will continue with MRI's every 6 months. 

We will be going to Philly soemtime in June or July for routine follow up with Dr. Shields.  We are hoping that we can finally take time to enjoy Philly.

On a nonmedical note, Peyton is doing great.  She is loving school and on most days she is a typical almost 5 year old.  We are gearing up for the warmer months.  Peyton will be playing t-ball and hopefully taking swimming lessons.  Still trying to convince her about swimming. 

We have been truly blessed that Peyton has been able to remain so strong throughout all the doctors and treatments.  Her only question about this appointment today was "are they going to have to poke me today?".  I can't believe that only thing through all of this that gets her upset is the blood draws. 

Thank you all who have prayed and continue to pray for Peyton, Rich and me.  We would not have had the strenght without each and everyone of you.

In His Love,

Ang

Peyton's Commercial Debut

As promised, here is the promotional video Peyton was in for the Ronald McDonald House of Wichita.

Peyton's Ronald McDonald Commercial

Rolling right along

Thought we would post an update even though nothing too major has recently occurred.  Peyton will see the eye specialist in Wichita in another month or so for another eye exam under anesthesia.  Then, Peyton will meet with her new pediatric ophthalmologist in Wichita to get information on starting a new "patch procedure" that will help strengthen and align her left eye.  Peyton seems to be doing OK sight wise, other than her left eye wandering at times.  Trust me, this whole thing hasn't slowed her down a bit!

I am so proud of my little girl, as she is so strong.  She makes me cry every now and then, when she tells people she has a cancer tumor by her eye.  It is very difficult to hear a 4-year old say that!  She is so smart that she knows everything about everything that is going on.  We have had to be very selective in how we answer all of her questions.  Also, for those who have not heard, Peyton just shot a commercial with the Ronald McDonald House of Wichita.  Peyton and Angie were both in it, and it was said they did wonderful.  It is currently being edited, and we should have a copy next week.  We will share it when we can. 

We will post again after her next appt.  Thanks again to all of you that sincerely think and/or pray about us on a daily basis.  We would also like to send a gracious thank you to the city of Philadelphia.  The city of Philadelphia will forever be in our hearts! 

The Adams Family

Back to "Normal"

Well, we are pretty much back to "normal" now.  Peyton is back at school, and all her friends are very happy to see her again.  Our preschool family has been great and continue to support us in many ways.  Peyton is concentrating hard on catching up her art project for the art fair.  She is making something out of clay and Ms. Lila has taken some extra time to help Peyton catch up.  Peyton was very adimit about completing this project!

Peyton has broken her glasses two more times. but we were able to get them fixed both times.  This is probably the last major repair they can take, so today we ordered her a new pair.  We decided that we had better have a back-up pair!  She looks even more adorable in her new pair.  We will post pictures when available.

We are waiting on Peyton's eye specialist to receive the reports from Philly.  Once he receives these reports, then we can talk about which Ophthalmologist will be helping us start the Patch Procedure.  As I said in the previous post, this will be interesting.   Again, we will hopefully see no more doctors until the specialist in Wichita does his exam in two months.  Thank God, we need a break!

We are trying to plan a golf tournament fundraiser for sometime in the next month or two.  We have been so busy catching up around the house, that we haven't had much time for planning yet.  Keep your eyes open for the next fundraiser event!

We would like to send a huge thank you to all of you who support us!  You have all been so AWESOME.  We have had more help than we ever dreamed of and we are extremely gracious and proud of every one of you. 

This week, we  send a special thanks to Aunt Wease and Uncle Gene of Indiana, and to Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob of NEBRASKA!  (Peyton sends big hugs and kisses to you!)

With love,

The Adams Family

Peyton Got An A+

Well, it has been a long day.  The surgery center at Wills Eye Institute was running behind so we waited, waited, and waited some more.  However, it was well worth the wait as we were able to meet and talk with Logan and his family and we received wonderful news..  For those of you that don't know, Logan is a little boy from the same area in KS who also has Retinoblastoma.  It was nice to speak with a family that is going through the EXACT same thing.  They have been going through this a little longer, so they were able to offer some much needed advice.

Peyton's exam went pretty well. The doctor is still very happy with her progress and thinks there still may be a slight chance of partial sight at a later date.  Peyton's retina made a little progress as it moved maybe 1mm closer.  This is not great, but still progress.  The main thing is the tumor is still dead and there are NO new growths.  The doctor also stated that Peyton still has some fluid build up, but not near as much as the previous visits.  This may never completely go away, as the eye may not be able to pump all of it out (since there was so much.)  We are also now being referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist back home.  The head doctor in Philly wants to start an eye patch procedure that will help strengthen and align Peyton's left eye.  This is going to be VERY interesting to say the least.

Anyways, Dr. Shields gave Peyton an A+ on her effort today and has really seemed to form an emotional bond to Peyton.  The nurses also love Peyton and gave her all kinds of stuff today, including a scrub cap and a stuffed hungry little caterpillar.  The people of Philadelphia are simply AWESOME!

P.S.  We will see the eye specialist in Wichita in two months, and return to Philadelphia for another exam the first week of July.  It will be so nice to visit Philly in the summer-JERSEY SHORE HERE WE COME!

We love you all!

The Adams Family

Hellllooo Philadelphia

We arrived safely in Philadelphia.  Peyton had a blast on both flights and got to sit in the cockpit again after the second flight.  One of the pilots gave her a flying sticker and really enjoyed talking with her.  We are staying at a beautiful hotel out here due to no availability at the Ronald McDonald House.  We are on the 17th floor, and Peyton loves to look out the window at the traffic below.  She wants to open the window and throw things out, but MOMMY won't let her.  Peyton's appt starts around 10am and Peyton can't have anything to eat or drink after midnight.  This could be a rough one!  We are trying to keep her up really late to help with this.  She is used to the normal 5am apts!

We will find out a bunch of things tomorrow and will fill you in as we have time.  We will also find out some other important info from the University of Penn no later than mid-April.  We thank you all for your continued prayers!

P.S.  Enjoy the time you spend sitting by quiet people on airplanes!  It does NOT always work out that way! 

P.S.S.  Peyton has talked about both of her grandma's alot this trip.  She sure loves all of her grandparents!

The Adams Family

Happy Valentine's Day

I got to spend time this afternoon with my twelve favorite 4 year olds at the school Valentine's Day Party.  We loaded and I mean loaded them with sugar (2 cupcakes, a sugar cookie, and conversation hearts).  Peyton had a blast today at the Party.  One of the activities was dancing to the Hokey Poky and the Chicken Dance.  The kids were having so much fun that Peyton's glasses got knocked off and then stepped on.  It wouldn't the day before the trip to Philly without some kind of crisis. 

Luckily,  the eye doctor was open late.  Peyton walked in and told all the staff that there was a big problem.  Here is her verision of the story...

"Today at Preschool we were dancing around and then my glasses just hokey pokied right off my face."  The Ladies of course loved her verision of events, and the glasses were able to be fixed.  So crisis averted. 

Peyton and I spent the evening getting packed and ready to head out in the morning.  The trips are getting easier to prepare for, but the nerves are still running high. 

I would like to take some time to thank my husband, Rich.  Without him I would be truly lost.  I love him for the awesome Dad is to Peyton and his ability to deal with my crazy control freak nature on a daily basis. 

To those of you who have become family throughout this journey, I thank you all and treasure every prayer you have sent up for Peyton, Rich and I.  I will never be able to say thank you enough.  I will never be able to hug the people who are supporting us across the globe.  So here is the next best thing

With love,

Angela Adams

Heading East Again Soon!

Peyton had her physical here in Wichita today.  She has to have these check-ups each time before we go to Philadelphia.  The pediatrician thinks Peyton is doing pretty well.  She finally gained a little weight and is up to 41.6 lbs.  Of course she grew again in height and is up to 44 in tall!  She grows out of shirts and shoes on a monthly basis.  I asked the doctor to see if he thought her left eye had any reaction at all to light, so he performed a few little tests.  In his opinion, Peyton sees absolutely nothing with her left eye.  She gets around pretty darn good for only having sight in one eye! 

We are preparing for our trip to Philadelphia on the 16th.  Although this trip is for a check-up, it seems to be of utmost importance.  The team of specialists from Wills Eye Institute will put Peyton under anesthesia and take critical measurements of the tumor.  Hopefully, all of it remains dead and no growth is found.  Also, we should find out if the retina has any chance of re-attaching.  We are on pins and needles and very anxious to get this trip over with.

Please continue to pray for Peyton as I know many of you are!  We have been showered with donations and prayers the last few weeks and would like to let all of you know how much we appreciate them.  It's truly amazing what all of you have done for us, and we are so very thankful for every single one of you!

We love you all,

The Adams Family 

A Big Thank You

We would like to send a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone involved with the auction.  It was definitely a success and will help us in many ways.  Some people missed the auction, and simply made donations through paypal.  That is AWESOME, and thank you so much!

Peyton is still getting along fine, and desperately ready to start kindergarten.  We have chosen her school now, and she is really excited about it.  We toured it last week and took Peyton to see everything.  She is very excited to announce that she will be attending the Emerson Magnet School. 

As far as Peyton's sight goes, she still doesn't really have any in her left eye.  Hopefully, we will find out more in two weeks when we go to Philly!  We are not looking forward to this trip in the middle of winter!  Please pray for safe travel and for good news with regards to our little girl!

You have all been great, and we appreciate each and every one of you.  Thanks so much! 

Up and Running

The online benefit auction for Peyton has now begun.  All you have to do is click on the benefit link on the home page for Peyton's blog.  It is a 10-day auction only!  Feel free to contact us with any further questions about any of these items.  Again, all money received will be used to pay medical bills not covered by insurance.  We thank you all for your continued support.  Also, please share this link with any family or friends that you think may be interested in an item, or simply interested in helping out.

Thank you so much!

The Adams Family 

Benefit Auction

Not a whole lot to report on as of late.  Peyton has been wearing her glasses like a big girl and has gotten used to wearing her sports goggles/glasses when playing outside.  She still has no apparent sight in her left eye, but seems to be getting along just fine.  We have purchased our next set of plane tickets to Philadelphia for our appointment on Feb 16th.  Peyton will have an examination under anesthesia to check the progress.  We are all praying hard for a miracle with her retina!

Also, keep your eyes open this weekend for a link to the benefit auction.  We have worked very hard to gather items from businesses/teams in the area to auction off.  The auction will be through Ebay, but will be tied into this blog.  There are a variety of items to bid on and shipping will be free for almost every item.  All proceeds will go toward medical costs that are not covered through insurance.  Many thanks to all those who donated to our auction and a special thanks to sister Tina for helping us with this.

Last, but not least, thanks again to all those who have been helping and/or thinking about us.  We are truly grateful for each and every one of you.  Some of you may be tired of hearing this, but it is a long and tough process.  We could NOT do it without you.

"Shout it out and let all the world know that Jesus saves"

We love you all,

The Adams Family

Rock Chalk Jayhawk



Coach Self, Peyton, and Rich Adams


 

As many of you may know, we were invited to a KU game by coach Bill Self and his administrative assistant, Joanie Stephens.  Peyton had a great time at the game!  She was chanting "Rock chalk Jayhawk" the entire time and was also doing some kind of dance move that I think was an imitation of what she saw the cheerleaders doing.   We were able to meet with many of the staff members and players after the game, and Peyton thought it was great.  After meeting asst. coach, Danny Manning, Peyton said "Mom and Dad, is that guy a giant?"  Many of the coaches and players actually acted interested in how Peyton was doing.  Bill Self only left us because he was due for a press conference.  A special thanks to Joanie Stephens, coach Self, coach Manning, coach Townsend, Brady Morningstar, and all of the other players.  This was truly a special experience for all of us and served as a little excitement for a 4-year old girl who has been through so much!



Peyton dancing on the Jayhawk in the Player's Lounge.



Rock Chalk Jayhawk,



 The Adams Family