Caitlyn had her appointment with Dr. Goldman today. She is still doing good, and still symptom free. She seems to have a little runny nose but the doctors feel it is just a cold and not a symptom of the cancer. Her steroids were cut down to just a quarter of a mg. We will watch her this week; and if she does good then Monday we will take her off it all the way.
Dr. Goldman says she looks good; but after biting my tongue for 6 weeks I had to ask the question that I know he does not have an answer for, "Since she is symptom free does this mean she will be cured?" Of course he did not have an answer and how could he. This is something only time will tell.
I know there are many people like me who search the internet for information about pontine glioma. I know there are parents who travel the country looking for treatments with a promise of survival; and sadly for this type of cancer there are none.
Despite this, there are some doctors that can make even the worse situation feel better; and then there are some (way to many) who can make the worst diagnosis feel very dark and lonely. Since May 23rd, we have had our share of doctors who have made us feel like we were in such a dark cave of despair.
The sadness was truly unbearable; until we met Dr. Goldman. He has told us the same thing the other doctors told us--but with a compassion and sensitivity that made hearing the news from him easier to take. If there is anyone out their that is looking for treatment options. I know I have read a few sites where people are searching . I would recommend seeing Dr Goldman. He can't tell you anything different than the other doctors; but the way he delivers information and the manner in which he cares for children makes all the difference when you are looking at these type of survival statistics.
We have seen Caitlyn's Angels in Action in many different forms
Caitlyn's coins continues to bring in donations from people who are made aware of our situation by Liz Meyers. These people do not even know us but are moved by Liz's compassion for others. I believe their generosity is a testament of gratitude for having Liz in their lives. Liz you are truly one of Caitlyn's angels !
Thank you to Katie, Sarah , Abby, and Julia . For their hard work at their lemonade stand to raise Coins for Caitlyn (see pix above). Children truly are Gods Angels here on earth. Katie, your kindness to Caitlyn has been seen many times this summer. I'm sure your parents are very proud of your compassion for others.
Another act of kindness came from Kathleen Finis and all her helpers. Our families have never met but we attend the same school. They were touched by Caitlyn's story and decided to have a bake sale with 11 kids and their parents from the neighborhood. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, prayers and compassion.
Thank you to St.Theresa for your donation. We were truly touched that you choose our family for the donation. Thanks.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you again. Thank you all for caring. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you does not seem to be the right word to express our gratefullness; but please know our hearts are truly overwhelmed by your kindness.
When we started this web site it was established with the intentions of making our daughter known to the world. We were devastated by the news of her diagnosis along with it's very grim prognosis. The first thing that came to mind was she has not been here long enough to make her mark on the world. I just knew she still needed to touch so many more lives then just her own family's. With that in mind I asked my friend Margaret to start a web site for her. I wanted Caitlyn to touch the hearts of other peoples jut like she has ours. We just couldn't let her go without making an impact on other peoples lives.
I am touched daily by the impact that she is making on other people. Each and everyone of you who visit this site to follow her story, pray for her, contribute to her fund, or send her site to someone you know, are proof that this world is not desensitized by human suffering. Everyday we hear about violence and hate in the world; and it is so nice to know that there is still compassion for friends and strangers in the world. For me that is a very comforting while our family is on this journey that is so uncertain and to say the least terrifying. You have all helped us keep our faith in God and mankind and hope for a miracle high. We could not do this without ALL of you.
Please pray that Caitlyn stays symptom free now that her radiation is completed. This is the next critical step. The medication and radiation we believe have had a good effect on her since she is symptom free now. Her next MRI is Monday; and we will know more then.
We ask that you continue to pray that everything continues to head in the same direction that it is now. We also ask that you pray that Caitlyn gets over her cold and stays healthy and strong. Keep praying for a miracle for Caitlyn!
The Churak Family
