Journal entry by Sue Van Ee —
Yesterday was Keith's MRI and visit with the neuro-oncologist at Mayo. If you remember, we had not been there for three and a half months (the longest between appointments since this journey began). So, it was with some trepidation that we approached this visit.
First of all: the weather was perfect! A couple of weeks ago, forecasts were such that it was possible a storm system was moving in Sunday to Tuesday, not unlike what we had a few weeks ago. So, the prayers kicked in for a good, safe path to Rochester. Praise be to God - we didn't see a snow flake! Rochester is supposed to be getting some snow this afternoon, but we are safely home in the sunshine!
The MRI showed less swelling than in October and no cancer growth at all! In fact, even though Dr. Campian had difficulties with the MRI program on her computer (she had wanted to show us multiple comparisons between this MRI and the one in October), she got to show us just one comparison -- and even WE could see the difference! The two ventricles that are supposed to be mirror-images of each other -- and haven't been for a long time because of the pressure of the tumor and then the swelling, are now almost identical. The mid-line of the brain is now almost a real mid-line! The void where the tumor was, and is filled with fluid (that's what gave us trouble last June/July - increasing fluid) is now smaller in size.
Dr. Campian was pleased that Keith is able to work outside on the farm every day and that he only requires about 8 hours of sleep every night, with perhaps a stolen couple-minute nap at noon. She told him to keep on doing what he loves.
She gets a charge out of the fact that at every visit, Keith's three women are lined up on the couch and he is in a chair opposite, waiting for her to come in. "Keith, you are out-numbered", she says. Perhaps we should tell her about the whole of our family: 3 guys and 7 gals!
As you can see, we are very thankful for our switch to Mayo and our pairing with Dr. Campian! Please give God all the glory for these blessings that I have just shared with you all. A dear friend reminded us of verses from Psalm 66 this afternoon: "Shout for joy to God, all the earth! ...Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds!'...Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!" We are thankful!
Keith's next visit to Mayo is scheduled for mid-May.
First of all: the weather was perfect! A couple of weeks ago, forecasts were such that it was possible a storm system was moving in Sunday to Tuesday, not unlike what we had a few weeks ago. So, the prayers kicked in for a good, safe path to Rochester. Praise be to God - we didn't see a snow flake! Rochester is supposed to be getting some snow this afternoon, but we are safely home in the sunshine!
The MRI showed less swelling than in October and no cancer growth at all! In fact, even though Dr. Campian had difficulties with the MRI program on her computer (she had wanted to show us multiple comparisons between this MRI and the one in October), she got to show us just one comparison -- and even WE could see the difference! The two ventricles that are supposed to be mirror-images of each other -- and haven't been for a long time because of the pressure of the tumor and then the swelling, are now almost identical. The mid-line of the brain is now almost a real mid-line! The void where the tumor was, and is filled with fluid (that's what gave us trouble last June/July - increasing fluid) is now smaller in size.
Dr. Campian was pleased that Keith is able to work outside on the farm every day and that he only requires about 8 hours of sleep every night, with perhaps a stolen couple-minute nap at noon. She told him to keep on doing what he loves.
She gets a charge out of the fact that at every visit, Keith's three women are lined up on the couch and he is in a chair opposite, waiting for her to come in. "Keith, you are out-numbered", she says. Perhaps we should tell her about the whole of our family: 3 guys and 7 gals!
As you can see, we are very thankful for our switch to Mayo and our pairing with Dr. Campian! Please give God all the glory for these blessings that I have just shared with you all. A dear friend reminded us of verses from Psalm 66 this afternoon: "Shout for joy to God, all the earth! ...Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds!'...Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!" We are thankful!
Keith's next visit to Mayo is scheduled for mid-May.
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