As promised: Brooklyn Update

"Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks." -Elder Busche

First off, how is Brooklyn doing post surgery? GREAT! It is amazing how going in to a surgery healthy makes a world of difference. She is generally back to her "normal" life playing and being a sweet little girl! And I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who sent Brooklyn Valentine's. Derek said she was absolutely thrilled to be receiving mail, (and quite honestly it may have possibly meant more to Derek than Brooklyn).

Yesterday (Valentine's Day) Derek, Angelie, and Brooklyn had their 1st follow up visit with the Radiologist. The Radiologist has answered a lot of questions that we all were having about this 2nd go around of things. One question we had was if this tumor was the same type of cancer tumor that Brooklyn had the first time. The answer is yes, this is the same type. This means Brooklyn is dealing with a very aggressive type of cancer to have it come back in only 4 months. Another bit of information they learned was that the surgeon was extremely hesitant to even perform this surgery a 2nd time.

As I mentioned in the last post, we originally were told that there were 2 tumors, but when in surgery it was discovered that it was actually 1 tumor. We were also told that this last tumor was outside the area where Brooklyn received radiation last time. The brain can only receive so much radiation in one area before negative side effects kick in. Brooklyn received the maximum dose of radiation last year. This is significant because when her radiologist compared MRI's it was discovered that a portion of this last tumor is actually in the same area as her previous tumor. This means that even with Brooklyn's first surgery and maximum dose of radiation, the cancer was back only 1 year later.

So, the radiologist gave Derek and Angelie 2 options which I will explain:

Option 1: Do Nothing

They can choose to do no further treatments at this time. We can hope that this last surgery got 100% of the cancer and that Brooklyn will live a great and normal life. The chances of that being the case are slim to none considering how aggressive the cancer is. More likely the cancer will return in about a year and at that point Brooklyn's doctors would only be able to treat her symptoms keeping her as comfortable and happy as possible until she eventually would pass away.

Option 2: Do a shortened round of radiation treatments

They would give Brooklyn about 20 more radiation treatments. This is a shortened amount compared to last time. This reduced treatment is due to the negative side effects that more radiation in this same general area would produce. The most likely side effects Brooklyn would experience is weakening of the right side of the body, with an extremely probable outcome of paralysis of the right side of her body. When this type of cancer returns a second time after a child has already received surgery and radiation treatment, the odds are 1 in 4. So the chances of this radiation treatment working to cure Brooklyn is not real great. There is a better chance of the cancer returning again despite the treatment, and there would be nothing left to try. Neither surgery nor radiation treatments would be an option for Brookie.

The radiologist sent Derek and Angelie home to think, discuss, and make some tough decisions.

I can't even imagine what it must have been like for Derek and Angelie to sit through an appointment like that... where the doctor is giving you options both with slim chances of a happy ending. As you can imagine the last 24 hours has been rather emotional for the Walker family. I have talked to Derek quite extensively since the appointment. I asked him which route they are leaning toward. He said they of course want to at least try the radiation even though it makes Brooklyn so sick and the paralysis effects more radiation would cause. Derek and Angelie are of course hoping that Brooklyn would be the 1 in the 4 that would result in success of more treatment.

The reason this is all such a HUGE shock for all of us is that Brooklyn is probably the healthiest and most active we have seen her in the last 2 years (and she is only 3 years old). It is hard to believe that the radiologist is not that optimistic about the outcome considering she is doing so great!

I hope I have written this update in a way to convey that the Walkers have not just given up all hope. In reality we are relying on our faith and testimonies that the Lord is in control. We are also trying to be realistic with the information given to us.

I asked Derek to tell me what his family needs. The first thing that came to his mind was a special fast. We will be having a fast for anyone who wants to join us on this coming Sunday. This should be a fast not only for Brooklyn and the miracle she so desperately could use, but also for Derek and Angelie to be strengthened at this most difficult time. I will continue to make blog updates as things progress; and I think that over the next several months there will be other "physical" needs that will arise. I will pass those along as I keep everyone updated.

I'm sure it goes without saying that keeping the Derek Walker Family in your every day prays would be so much appreciated. I would also encourage you that if you feel inclined over the next several months to send Derek's family an email or a facebook message, a note in the mail, a phone call, whatever.... do it! Little things like that made all the difference to us when our Dad was so sick.

I started out this post with a quote from Elder Busche. This is from the movie clip posted below. It has really helped me over the last 2 days.

Thanks again for all of your support and love.

Elder F Enzio Busche of The Church of Jesus Christ

Brooklyn at Primary Children's

Brooklyn smiles for Sicily on Sunday. Her surgery was Friday at noon. She is recovering pretty well but has been wanting to go home for several days. Derek thinks they might be released today (Tuesday).

Prior to our visit on Sunday, Brooklyn has been grumpy/tired/upset at being hospitalized. She definitely knows what is going on a little better this time than last time. Angelie said she has pulled out all IVs except the one in her foot. This made the wagon ride interesting as Sicily has no regard for a hurt IV foot!

As documented in the pictures, Sicily absolutely will not leave her hair alone, that is the reason for the wild hair in the movie clip. Sicily had enough of people telling her to be careful with Brooklyn; so she decides to get out and pull. Sicily was happy with this arrangement... and so was Brooke! Brooklyn seemed more bruised on the face this time than I remember last time. (From laying face down during surgery). They must have restrained her a little tighter? We still have not heard back on pathology... so no word yet if this means more radiation or chemotherapy. Her surgeon was able to get the entire tumor. Originally it was thought that there were 2 tumors, but when they got in there they realised it was just one hooked together. The follow up MRI did show that the entire tumor was removed. I left with Mark on Sunday night, but my mom is still in Logan with Porter. Angelie is concerned that Brooklyn will be quite needy when they come home, so maybe mom will stay on an extra day to help get her settled with 2 kids to take care of.

Just a little background: Brooke's previous scan was in September and nothing was found, so this tumor grew to detection in only 4 months. That is pretty quick. As of Sunday we did not have an answer as to how big the tumor was when they took it out. I have heard Angelie mention that maybe it would be good to do a round of chemo just to make sure they kill any lingering undetectable cells so Brooke can be through with all of this. Time will tell.


The Walker family has high spirits and when I stayed at Derek's for the weekend there was just an overall good feeling in his home. We know that they are being watched over and the Spirit is present there. I can't think of a better atmosphere for Brookie to recover in.

Wouldn't it be cool if Brooklyn received TONS of Valentines in the mail from everyone who is rooting for her?
Brooklyn Walker
1736 S. 1150 W.
Logan, UT 84321

I will try to keep everyone updated as things progress and as I get more information.

IF

I recently ran across this poem and really loved it. Don't you just love a good thought provoking book, poem, or passage in the scriptures? I have been trying harder to edify and uplift myself with good literature instead of endless blog browsing, etc. I think it has made a difference in my daily routine. I sure love poetry. I wish we would read and discuss some poetry in book club. I will probably suggest that next month! As for general news, we are loving our new house, getting settled in, and Sicily is taking more steps every single day. You know it's grain harvest when you are changing the clean clothes to the dryer and the bottom of the washer is covered in grain. Was it in his pocket? Did he put it there on purpose? Funny.

"If"

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

By Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936).

Shock

I'm shocked at how fast this first year of Sicily's life is flying by.

I'm shocked at how much I love her, and I don't even have to work at "loving her" it comes naturally. I always knew a parent has a special unconditional love the instant they meet their child for the first time, but what a pleasant shock it has been to experience this firsthand.

I'm shocked at how blessed I am. I look at others around me and realize I am truly a lucky person.

Imagine my shock when I recieved a phone call from my brother Derek yesterday evening telling me that Brooklyn's MRI is showing some more spots. Needless to say I have a broken heart. I'm not much of a crying person, but today as I've reflected on the past 6 months, I weep. Shock doesn't even begin to describe how Derek and Angelie feel. So in 6-8 weeks Brooklyn will have another MRI to tell us how fast (or slow) the spots change. At that appointment the doctor will issue the next plan of attack. Until that appointment in 6 weeks here is what the Mark Telford family will be doing (and other members of the Larry Walker family)-- weekly temple trips, weekly fasting, fervent prayer, petitioning our Heavenly Father for strength, courage, comfort.... and a miracle.

Keep a prayer in your heart for us. We have seen miracles in the past, and feel that this should be no exception. But in the end, we know that whatever happens with Brooklyn will be the will of our loving Heavenly Father.

Thank You

Here is a recent pic of Sicily! This was taken by M'Lisa & Lance with their new camera! This is Sicily's "party outfit". She wore it to my mom's surprise party... my mom's favorite color is purple!

For those of you who don't know, we had a surprise party for my mom's 50th birthday. We actually organized a project of making 50 twin or queen size quilts to donate to the Humanitarian Relief effort.... one quilt for every year of her life. We had lots of family and friends of my mom make the quilts. We gave her the quilts- made in her honor, at the party. She will donate the quilts after the local newspaper finishes writing a story on the event.

We also had a brunch at the party. Kimaree planned the menu and it was DELICIOUS!

Here is what 50 quilts looks like! I still can't believe we reached our goal of 50! I can't thank all of you enough for taking the time to make these quilts. M'Lisa, Kimaree and I each made several quilts. Derek and Angelie had a farewell/work and they couldn't be at the party. They were missed very much. Dallin of course was in Fresno where he is serving his mission. The only thing that would have made the party better is if our 2 brothers could have been there also.

Here is mom with all of the quilts. After the party we unfolded each quilt and took a picture. They are all so beautiful. These are not just a thrown together quilt, everyone really took the time to make them nice. I just know that the people who end up receiving them will cherish them forever. My mom keeps saying, "I wish I could see all the faces when they receive the quilts." It still feels so awesome that we pulled our resources together and made this happen. I know my mom really does feel honored to have been given this wonderful gift. Words don't express the thanks we feel as a family to those that helped us honor our mom for 50 great years. I'm so glad we did it!

Scrapbooking and Teething?

M'Lisa,
Remember when you told me that this was a cute pic but it just needed the background taken out? Well guess what?!?! I took the background out, digitally scrapbooked it, and I'm now trying to post before and afters of the whole thing. Surprise, surprise, I can't figure out how to make the image compatible with blogger. AND- my cell phone is not working or I would text you all this. But I am really excited that I am getting so much better with photoshop AND scrapbooking with so much more ease. So..... if anyone knows how to save my cute files some other way so i can post.... let me know. Otherwise imagine how cool it looks! I am going to go get it printed out and give it to Mark for V Day. XOXOXO!!!
PS- I'm not really sure if Sicily is teething or not (never had kids before), but if I was a betting woman, I'd bet this fussiness and chewing had something to do with the whole process!