Thank you to everyone who has prayed and/or left comments here or on Rosies guestbook. Here is an update on Rosie:
We were told that the doctors believe she may have a rare form of cancer. I wasn't there when the doctors were letting her parents know, so I'm not sure of any specific name they have but has something to do with the cancer cells in her spinal fluid. Only 7 cases a year are treated at St Judes, and only 1 case a year is seen at Devos Childrens hospital, where she is at. It is treatable, but the massive amounts of chemo and radiation required to treat it would leave her severely mentally handicapped...we were told the IQ average is around 55 for survivors.
It's not been confirmed that this is what it is, so we are staying positive. Rosie has made great progress in her recovery from surgery. Her swallowing ability has returned (she dined on a meal of mashed potatoes and chocolate milk two nights ago!) and she walked by herself without losing her balance. She is still in pain from the surgery, but given that her chances of being paralyzed were practically 100%...what a miracle. If all goes well and she does not need to be sent to St Judes for treatment of the more severe form of cancer, she will be sent home for outpatient chemotherapy sometime next week with a 70% chance of survival, which we optimistically view as she'll go to prom, get married, have children, have grandchildren and go to God at around 110.
If you would like to send her a card or well wishes...please message me and I will be more than happy to send an address to forward them to.
We are amazed by the goodness of people and the support our local and online community have given our family throughout this.