Home With Good News
Mood:  bright
Well, we finally made it to Boston and back after a few cancelled flights (snow), lost shuttles, and crazy drivers.  We had a great visit with Dr. Alomari.  He was VERY informative and gave us a wealth of information and insight.  He also encouraged us to have Cassidy's treatments locally.  We are so happy that we made the trip to Boston, it has given us more confidence and knowledge in her treatment plan. 

Boston-Here We Come

Our flight and hotel are booked for Boston!  We contimplated driving...but in the end it will cost the same amount of money and just longer to get there.  We hope to try to turn this into a fun Valentine's trip for Cassidy.  (I try to look at the trip as the most expensive Valentine's gift we'll ever do.) 

If the results from Boston are the same as from Chicago, than the process is as follows:

Visit surgeon

Update MRI

Set up Sclero treatments in Chicago 

Results From Chicago Visit
Mood:  quizzical
Well our visit with Dr. Donaldson in Chicago went well.  I was hoping to leave the visit more confident in the treatments.  Dr. Donaldson was wonderful and very informative.  He stated that there is most likely no way to avoid surgery on Cassie's lip.  After the sclero she will need some recontouring done on her lip.  He is however concerned that the sclerotherapy could damage her lip tissue and that could leave problems when it comes to surgery.  Based upon this information we decided and Dr. Donaldson encouraged us to have her evaluated by the interventional radiologist in Boston.  We can see if they agree on treatment type and the possible effects.  Lets hope and pray that they feel the same about her treatments......otherwise I will be seeking out a 3rd opinion in New York. 

GREAT NEWS!
Mood:  happy

I am so fortunate to work in the medical field and particularly the field that will be treating my daughter for sclerotherapy.  I had the opportunity to discuss my daughter's situation with an Interventional Radiologist I work with (Dr. Gilbert).  He went above and beyond and did some research on the Interventional Radiologist that Cassidy is scheduled with in Boston.  Although Boston Children's Hospital is #1 in the world, the radiologist scheduled to give her treatments does not have the years experience that Dr. Gilbert feels is beneficial in treating her.  He has recommended an Interventional Radiologist, LOCALLY, with many years experience in sclerotherapy for VM's.  He spoke with him about Cassidy and we are already receiving VIP treatment!!!  Cassidy is scheduled to be evaluated by him on Feb. 4th for possible treatments.  He will decide at this time if he feels confident in treating her.  Keep this in your prayers!!!

Thank You!
Mood:  bright
I am so thankful for all the prayers and support we have been receiving.  Everyone has been so great to let us know that we are being prayed for.  We have also received some care packages to help keep Cassidy content on our trips and during her recovery.  What a wonderful idea-THANK YOU!  Cassidy also loves to look at pictures of her friends and family-send us some!

Boston Called
I heard from Boston today to confirm the February 13th date.  We will meet with the interventional radiologist on this date to go over the treatment.  The next day (Valentine's Day) Cassie will have her first sclero treatment.  I don't think Valentine's Day will ever have the same meaning to us after this!

Last Days of Daycare
Mood:  blue
The girls had their last day of daycare on Dec. 21st.  It was hard picking them up and saying goodbye to all the teachers.  Both of their classes made some wonderful cards and a book for them to remember all their friends by.  All their teachers left them some sweet notes.  I know Cassie is going to miss all of them and ask to see them.   

Picture Requests!

I am going to make an album/scrapbook for Cassidy to take with her on her trips.  I will be printing off the messages posted by everyone and putting them with their pictures.  She will enjoy looking at this and having us read everyone's encouraging words as she travels and recovers!  Please email us a picture or two of you, your kids, or family-so we can place it in her book.  If you are creative and have the time, make your own page for us to put in her book!

 Email pictures to blitzcraigg@netscape.com

Already A New Date-Feb 13th
I have already been contacted with a new date of February 13th.  Even that is still considered tentative.  They are waiting for the radiologists to provide their schedule to confirm dates.  Plus they can bump us for an more urgent case-which is understandable.

Treatment Date

It has been frustrating waiting for the scheduling department to call us.  It has been over 5 weeks.  We have been given a tentative date for beginning of January.  I will keep everyone informed.