After a few false starts, Laura was able to have another MRI exam today, this one called Perfusion. Was it only 8 days ago that she had her usual bi-monthly MRI? For us, it felt like weeks waiting for this update. 

The short verdict is that today's Perfusion MRI showed no change from last week's that displayed something different from January's scan. And that is what we need to keep a close watch on. It also was determined that the bright red spot in this one specific location is probably a blood vessel that we shouldn't worry about.  That was a win, a relief to all of us.

Laura needs to stay on her steroids and then she needs to return in four weeks for another MRI. Oddly enough, more favorable change would be "just" radiation damage. That would be best case scenario. If we see tumor growth, then we need to consider several different options.

We talked briefly about some drug trials that are currently in place, but sadly, these trials are constantly changing making it difficult to determine which one might be the most appropriate. One of them is a pediatric trial and you must be 39 years old or younger. Laura turns 40 in one month, so although the Oncologist is fighting to get Laura into it, it seems to be a slim chance for that to happen. There are others in the eastern US however, that might be legitimate options for Laura. We were delighted to discover that Laura's Oncologist is searching high and low, fighting for the best trial program even now! We have been truly blessed by Dr. Sumrall, Laura's Oncologist, and her staff. God couldn't have chosen anyone better.  

So we wait, along with you all. We are very grateful that, although Laura is always quite fatigue, she is tolerating the steroids designed to reduce brain swelling very well. 

I read a beautiful prayer this week from "Every Moment Holy": 

Let me learn, O Lord, 
What it is to live so open to life and hope
that I might weep and rejoice
in the same breath
without contradiction. 

This is the space we are living in. We've wept often this week with equal measures of hope.

Thank you for standing with us. Keep crying out to God for a complete healing for our girl, from her head to her toes! 

Two photos attached:

Laura's husband Josh was able to join us physically today, rather than via FaceTime. He asks good questions so we were so glad he was there. 

We met in the hospital hallway briefly with one of my oldest friends from childhood whose husband also has cancer and is getting treatment. Small joys in the midst of some long days!