How do you say it

We spent the day doing Peyton things.  The hotel has an indoor pool so we swam a little.  She also wanted to get outside and explore Philly.  We walked to Washington Park where the tomb of the unknown soldier is laid.  Thought we would make the extra few blocks to the Liberty Bell, but Peyton was done with all the walking. 

We made it to one of her favorite eating places, Cosi.  She downed a banana parfait, a banana, and fruit cup.  Tried to get a peanut butter and jelly in her, but no luck.  Maybe tonight there will be another swimming session.  Who knows.  It is Peyton's day. 

As I sit here in the hotel.  My thoughts keep drifting to how in the world I will ever find the words to explain to Peyton what is happening tomorrow.  She knows that she is having surgery again tomorrow, but HOW do I tell her.

I sit here and mourn her beautiful blue eye.  The ONE I gave her.  The special Gilllaspie Blue that changes the color of blue based on what color she is wearing.  I know in my heart that this means that CANCER is completely gone.  Her journey to recovery will be smoother.  All the trips to Philly will come less often.  But her beautiful Blue Gillaspie eye. 

What are the words?  How do I ever begin to explain?  I know that God will give me the strenght.  He will give me the words.  I just keep thinking How can I be the strong one?  She needs me more than ever to be. 

The words that have not come yet without tears. 

Peyton's Surgery is scheduled for 10:15 tomorrow.  It should take a little over an hour.  I will keep the blog updated as time allows. 

Please continue to pray for my sweet angel.  Her new story is just beginning.

With a worry heart and a racing mind,

Ang

We Lost the War

Today's visit brought some very unexpected news.  Peyton has developed a cataract in her left eye (the bad eye) which makes it hard to see if there is any tumor regrowth.  Dr. Shields explained that since the Peyton since Peyton had no vision in the eye the risk of removing the cataract was greater than the reward. 

We had the very difficult decision made for us.  Dr.  Shields said the only option was to remove the eye.  Peyton has been scheduled for the enucleation on Friday here in Philly with Dr. Shields.

Please pray for Peyton.  Please pray that she understands why all of this is happening.  Please pray for Rich and I.  We will be needing all the strength we can get through this time.  Explaining all of this will be one of the toughest things we will ever have to do.

Bummed out in Philly,

Ang, Peyton and Grandma EE

And the waiting begins or continues

Here we sit at Will's Eye, waiting.  Peyton's appointment was scheduled at 11:45.  It is 12:30 here and we are still waiting.  I guess I should be happy that the "I'm hungries!" haven't started.

We met a family from Kentucky that has been battling RB since their daughter was 5 months old.  She is now 3 and in her second round of IAC.  They waited for almost 2 hours past their appointment time to be called back.  YUCK!!!!!

As I hear their story and the story of many others facing the long road that is RB.  I have to stop and remember to count my blessings.  We have been blesses to date that only one eye has been affected.  We have been blessed to date with no relapse. 

So we sit here and wait.  Sit and hope.  Hope for continued good news for all the family affected by the terrible cancer.


Just waiting,

Ang

Back in Philly

We made it with no delays.  This may be a first.  

Peyton's appointment is at 11:45 am tomorrow.  I am hopefully that we can get her to sleep in and not have to fight the hungries in the morning.  Here is to hoping anyway.

All Peyton wants to do is going swimming.  That will probably be a Thursday event.

So glad to have made it here and praying for a good report tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone who is praying for us in this journey.  We couldn't do it without you.

Angie

Headed to Philly

So it has been forever since we have updated all of you.  It seems like life gets busier by the second. 

Peyton and I are headed back to Philly for her checkup.  I will keep you all posted on the results.

Please prayer for my sweet little girl. 

Thanks a bunch,

Angie

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