Unfortunately, Taylor’s appointment for tomorrow has been postponed. Her doctor called and discussed her MRIs again, per my request. I wanted him to take another look at them. I had hoped the spots that lit up on her MRI was white blood cells and not tumor growth. The tumor on her cheek was/still is concerning. The chemo was causing necrosis (tumor death) like we wanted, but it is simultaneously growing in the opposite direction at a quicker rate of speed than the chemo was killing it. 

There was a MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) meeting discussing best options for Taylor today. It’s a bunch of doctors and specialists that get together to discuss patient cases. Everyone pitches in and gives ideas on what they think will work best. 

Taylor’s radiation oncologist suggests proton radiation. He thinks he can kill the tumor going towards her eye. I’m struggling very much right now. Radiation has so many side effects. Both short term and long term. And she did have radiation to her hand, but it’ll be so unnoticeable. Bu that I mean it the radiation can cause her bones to grow at a slower rate. But her face, near her eye, worries me. I don’t want it to reach her eye and cause problems either. I also don’t want her to lose that eye. 

As a parent, I absolutely hate this part. I hate that I even have to make these decisions. You can choose what you think will work, but sometimes it doesn’t work. And you keep trying. You keep plugging away at finding what will work for your child. So many opinions and research thrown at you. It can be very overwhelming and sometimes I feel like I’m drowning. But then I look at my daughter, and I remember why we fight. Why everyone fights for her, to support her, to love her. Because she is a child, a child who doesn’t deserve to go through this. 

Thank you everyone for your support and prayers. And again, a huge shout out to the North Texas Jeep Club for making my daughter super happy on Sunday!

Amber Friesen

Mom of Warrior