Sunday, May 24, 2009

Gracie to be Cancer-free!

I want everyone to be absolutely clear about the exciting future that Gracie has in front of her.  Sometime in the next 1-3 weeks (could be as soon as this Friday), Gracie's right eye will be enucleated (removed).  Dr. G will perform the procedure at the Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.  The subtenon injections from Gracie's previous treatments have caused scarring behind the eye and this makes the enucleation somewhat more difficult than normal (if you can ever call enucleation "normal").  Dr. G has experience in dealing with similar enucleations and it is important that the procedure is done well to preserve the muscles and nerves controlling the eye structures.  Thus, Dr. G is probably the best one for the job, even though it is not as close as other doctors would be.  Immediately following the enucleation, an implant will be placed in the hole left by the eye.  This will help maintain the shape of the eye and have the muscles attached to it so that the prothesis will have some movement.  A conformer is placed over the implant for the first 6 weeks until the eye has healed enough to get her prothesis fitted.  The prothetic eye is much like a large plastic contact lens that goes right over the eye.  It is hand painted to match the other eye.  Once in place it will be difficult for people that meet Gracie to tell she has a prothetic eye.  The surgery to remove her eye is fairly painless and she will be released from the hospital the same day.  Dr. G wants us to stay nearby for a week just to make sure things are OK but he says they have never had problems before.

OK, now you have all of the details that I thought you might want to know about the process.  As far as how we are dealing with it, it has sometimes been difficult.  However, the days since Friday have brought happiness and rejoicing when we think about it.  It is amazing that Gracie will be cancer-free!!  All the tumors in the left eye appear to be dead and when the right eye is removed all of the cancer will be gone.  We are so happy to have Gracie and will do all we can to help her be happy and healthy.  Knowing that in a few short weeks we will not have to worry about the cancer spreading throughout her body or causing any other sickness is wonderful.  So, while we are sad for the loss of her eye, we rejoice in removing a cancer!  We are grateful to the support of our doctors and friends that have worked and prayed so diligently for Gracie and for us.  We have felt your love and support.  We have comfort in knowing that Gracie is winning her battle with cancer and her future is bright!  While she does have this little hiccup in the near future, her potential is limitless.

Stephanie was talking to Gracie about enucleation today and Gracie was a little worried.  At first she said that she had a real eye and did not need a fake one.  Stephanie told her that her eye was sick and we wanted to make sure that it did not spread and make the rest of her body sick.  Gracie agreed that she could have a fake eye to prevent that but she was still worried.  She then said that she did not want any more needles in mommy's room (we used to have to give her needles after chemo to bring her counts up and did them in our room each time- Gracie hated them).  Stephanie gave her a big hug and told her that we did not need anymore of those needles.  Gracie was very pleased to hear that and cheerfully went back to enjoying her day.  She is such a wonderful little girl.  She has taught us all so very much about being happy and cheerful in spite of life's difficulties.  We really do love Gracie!

6 comments:

Uncle Cameron and Aunt Mary Ann said...

Stephanie, James and Family,
This has been a long ordeal for you and your family. Uncle Cameron and I want you to know that we are so thankful that Gracie is going to be cancer-free. What a difficult decision you have had to make but we feel that it is the right one. Stephanie, you are a wonderful mother and an elect lady. James, what an amazing father and valiant provider for your family. We love you and want you to know that you are in our prayers and will continue to be in our prayers.
Love,
Uncle Cameron and Aunt Mary Ann

Vanessa x said...

Wow. I've followed your Gracie's story for a while now and think of you all, often.

I've been constantly amazed at the attitude that you have carried through what must have been a living nightmare. I have a 6 year old daughter and I just cannot imagine what you've experienced.

Gracie ~ you're a beautiful little girl with so much love embracing you. I am so happy that you will finally get back the health that you so justly deserve.

Love to you all xxxx

Selene said...

Stephanie and James,
I'm so happy and sad for you. How wonderful that Gracie will soon be cancer-free! I'm sorry she will have to lose one of her eyes. But I'm so happy we have doctors and surgeons that can deal with this problem and allow her to live and long, healthy life.
We will keep her and your family in my prayers.
Selene

The Ord Family said...

Just thinking of you all with mixed emotions. So sad about the difficult decisions that have been placed before you, but happy for Grace that she can be cancer free. How grateful we are that Gracie has been able to maintain such a positive attitude throughout all of this. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family, and we pray for the best outcome with the surgery.

Love,
Lindsay and Jared

ShawLove said...

We love Gracie! (and Stephanie and James too).

PureDesign said...

Bitter sweet news for sure.

But I believe in the end she will now be able to live a longer and happier life!