The Strickland Family Blog

Hello everyone,

Thanks for being patient with me since its been a while that I sent an update.  Ralph and Paris just got home October 8 from New York after being gone for 1 month and a half.  I really missed them since it was literally the first time that I was away from Paris.  So needless to say Ive been spending most of my time with them.

I must say that Ralph did a wonderful job with Paris in New York.  Im glad that he was able to get to experience that time with her and deal with the crazy life of “non-stop”.  The plan for Paris is that we are off for 3 weeks so that she can recover from irenotecan and then on October 26 begin cycle 3 of temodar (oral chemo).  Assuming I can keep her out of the hospital and “healthy” we will re-scan either end of december or early january.  (fingers crossed).  As of after surgery on September 10 she was officially declared as NED No Evidence of Disease.  I just pray that this can continue for a while if not forever.  Live one day at a time…..

I returned back to work after 2 years and honestly it was easy to get back into the swing of thigs.  Things were really in perspective-the job I love really became seconday and what didn’t get done at work stayed at work for the next day.  Im out the door at 3:30 and heading home to spend time with Paris. 

She started daycare again which she’s getting used to.  Who can blame her I basically dropped her off with a “stranger” and hoped she would do well.  She started Tuesday and it hasent been bad and she seems to enjoy it, she seems very happy and carryovers songs from that specific day.  Ms. Diane really cares for Paris so I know shes in good hands.

She’s starting Physical therapy again tomorrow.  She remembers Lisa and cant wait to see her again.  Hopefully this walking thing will come quickly.  Surgery caused us to have a little set back so we are starting from square one again.  Shes taking 13-20 steps independently so I am very happy about that.  We will continue to work on it.

When you think of Paris think of the word DIVA.  Shes definately earned that title.  Shes a bit bossy but we are calling it strong willed.  We all agree shes earned that right.

Shes talking up a storm and saying exactly whats on her mind, which is a good/bad thing.  Dont feel offended if she abruptly says she doesnt like you.  She is doing great with speech and can say 5-6 words utterances.  I think she knows too many words for her own good.  Its nice to hear her speak and hear how her little voice is changing.

I cant believe shes almost 2.  It was just yesterday when we were trying to get her to 2.  Crazy how time flies.

I just want to end by saying that we think about all of the little angels that have earned their wings.  They hold a special place in our hearts. 

Stay strong…

Lauren, Ralph and Paris

Paris underwent her first brain surgery yesterday.  The surgeon was able to successfully removed ALL of the visible tumor that was visible to the human eye, without damaging a significant part of the cerebellum.  The entire surgery lasted about 5 1/2 hours.  Under the situation this is the best news that we could have heard.  She will need to undergo physical therapy later in life to re-strengthen the left side, focusing on coordination.  She conquered the first of many steps and is doing fine.  She will have a MRI scan today to compare the first image to ensure that the tumor is gone.

She will undergo a minor surgery to insert an ommaya revisor in her brain to allow treatment of the antibody, and another surgery to insert a port in the chest area to allow chemotherapy after about 10 days after she recovers.  I believe that this will be done at Children’s in Chicago since the surgeons are familiar with her and she is already recovering there.

I will have more information regarding the exact treatment plan and duration later this week after numerous discussions with Children’s and Solan Kettering.

Thank you all so much for keeping Paris in your thoughts and prayers.