I know most of you don't follow my blog for Haileigh updates...but with so many people interested in how she's doing, including her own family across the country, the Wests asked if they could simply point people to my blog to stay informed rather than trying to create one on their own with everything else going on. So, together, this is a way we can serve their family...so thanks for coming along for the ride.
Here's the Saturday evening update:
Haileigh is in the hospital for another night. She had an encouraging day but the doctors still want to keep her under observation. The pediatric neurosurgeon now in charge of her case came in and sat down with the family for a long time today, explained everything thoroughly, answered all their questions, and walked through all the next steps. This was incredibly helpful and a source of relief for Chris and Shelley. Often the unknown is the hardest to deal with.
The doctor said, even though they didn’t biopsy the tumor, he doesn’t see any sign of cancer at this time. Her tumor is 8mm, and usually they only get concerned, in terms of cancer, when the tumor is 1.5-2cm.
She has continued to have a build up of pressure on her brain at different times. When the pressure reaches a certain number, monitors go off (which make it impossible to rest), and a machine automatically drains the excess fluid. This has been happening off and on. However, the doctor tonight wants to remove the number cap that trips the automatic drain (this is standard procedure) because it’s basically not forcing her brain to learn the new route that they’ve designed for it go. Hopefully that makes sense. As long as she’s not showing any signs of vomiting or nausea, the doctor wants to give the brain some motivation to learn the new route. When she can stay off the automatic drain for 24 hours with no physical side effects, they’ll send her home. If the pressure continues for 2 more days without relief...then they’ll approach next steps (a shunt which will require at least another week in the hospital).
The doctors say this surgery works 80% of the time, so obviously we’re all praying Haileigh falls in that 80%.
The family had a much needed low-key day. Haileigh was eating some grilled cheese and chips and was in good spirits.
Chris and Shelley are going to try one more all nighter in the hospital room together and then consider taking shifts tomorrow, pending news, to get some much needed rest themselves.
The doctor said, even though they didn’t biopsy the tumor, he doesn’t see any sign of cancer at this time. Her tumor is 8mm, and usually they only get concerned, in terms of cancer, when the tumor is 1.5-2cm.
She has continued to have a build up of pressure on her brain at different times. When the pressure reaches a certain number, monitors go off (which make it impossible to rest), and a machine automatically drains the excess fluid. This has been happening off and on. However, the doctor tonight wants to remove the number cap that trips the automatic drain (this is standard procedure) because it’s basically not forcing her brain to learn the new route that they’ve designed for it go. Hopefully that makes sense. As long as she’s not showing any signs of vomiting or nausea, the doctor wants to give the brain some motivation to learn the new route. When she can stay off the automatic drain for 24 hours with no physical side effects, they’ll send her home. If the pressure continues for 2 more days without relief...then they’ll approach next steps (a shunt which will require at least another week in the hospital).
The doctors say this surgery works 80% of the time, so obviously we’re all praying Haileigh falls in that 80%.
The family had a much needed low-key day. Haileigh was eating some grilled cheese and chips and was in good spirits.
Chris and Shelley are going to try one more all nighter in the hospital room together and then consider taking shifts tomorrow, pending news, to get some much needed rest themselves.
There you go. Just keeping you in the loop.
Thank you for keeping us informed of what is going on. Many of us are reading this and it is comforting to know what is going on. Thanks for the time and effort of writing each day. Because my husband and I have been somewhat in Chris and Shelley's shoes, may we recommend that they DO split up the time overnight at the hospital? They will both need as much "fuel" as possible and without a good night's sleep every other night, their days will be that much more difficult. Trust in eachother that Haileigh is in good hands with the other parent and rest as best you can. Shelley and Chris, please call on us should you need ANYTHING! With tons of love and positive thinking, Heidi, Jack, and Niev from Massachusetts
Posted by: Heidi Auvinen Collins | February 01, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Thank you for the updates about Haileigh. I had no idea what was happening with this sweet girl when her dad picked her up from school Thursday. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her parents and brother Blake. Please let me know if I can help in any way!
Posted by: Miss Annie at Olive Chapel | February 01, 2009 at 08:21 AM