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