Brooklyn's Treatment Plan

Well we have more to update tonight. Derek and Angelie called the radiologist this morning (Wednesday) and told him that they had decided to go ahead with radiation treatment. They feel good about this decision and want to get going. The radiologist was extremely happy with this decision, he was hoping that they would start treatments with Brooklyn and he feels like she is a good candidate. They are going down tomorrow to get her "permanent" IV put in. (I'm told the correct terminology for this is PICC. My dad had one on his chest, last time Brooklyn's was on her arm.) She had this last time also because she has to be sedated every time she gets a radiation treatment. On Friday they will be getting the mold "mask" made. The mask fits her head perfectly and keeps her in the right place while radiation is administered. Her first radiation treatment will be Tuesday. Angelie will find out on Friday how many days a week Brooklyn will receive radiation, and more of the details. Last time Brooklyn and Angelie stayed with Angelie's Grandma in Provo to be closer to treatments and they went home on the weekends to be with Derek. We will see if that is the plan this time also.

(The picture is just an example of what a radiation mask looks like. They actually bolt the mask to the table and Brooklyn will have 2 little tattoos put on the back of her head so that once she is in place they can line up the machine perfectly. No guessing games here.)

Later this afternoon Angelie talked to the oncologist. The oncologist was also very pleased that they had chosen to carry on with treatments. The oncologist feels like Brooklyn may even have a better than 1 in 4 chance of success. She didn't say how much better, but better is better in our world! She wants to give Brooklyn about a 4-5 week break after her radiation treatments, and then do a round of chemotherapy. She (the oncologist) didn't want to map out the exact plan for chemotherapy just yet, but rather wait until closer to time. Both radiologist and oncologist seem to be tackling this head on and both seem very optimistic about the results aggressive treatment will produce.

We greatly appreciate all the comments and support in our behalf. The special fast on Sunday will be a perfect prelude for Brooklyn's treatments, and we can see little miracles happening already. Everyones spirits seem to have been lifted today after such positive feedback from the doctors. I will post any new information Angelie might get this weekend.

Love,

The Walker Family