Neurosurgeon/Ophthalmology Appointment Jan 24 2011

Today we went to 2 appointments. First we saw our Ophthalmologist, he was happy to hear that Joshs headaches were getting fewer and fewer. We told him what John and I did, back in Dec we switched Joshs glasses back to his old prescription and it seems to be helping with the headaches, we really don't know if it has anything to do with it, but we thought we would try. Josh got new glasses back in the summer and he has never liked them, he would always look over the glasses or under, but never through them. He said they never "felt right". So we came to the conclusion that this might be contributing to his headaches. The doctor was fine with that, and wants to see Josh back in April.
After that appointment we went to our Neurosurgery Appt.
Josh was quite eager to show the doctor his headache journal, as the headaches are coming on average every 6-7 days now, rather then 3 or 4 per day.
Dr. B asked if we had seen neuro-oncology, which I replied "yes, we saw him last week......" After some discussion he asked what neuro-oncology had said regarding Josh, to which I replied, " they haven't contacted us yet...." He seemed quite confused. After a few seconds, I had realized that I was so confused, we haven't seen neuro-oncology yet, we saw the neurologist last week. I have realized now, that I really must pay attention to all these names, they seem to all sound alike and yet they all have different specialties.
Dr. B said, now that we have taken care of the "fluid issue" and headaches, now it is time to deal with the tumor. He is setting us up with Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, and another MRI has been set for April, actual date to be determined.
Josh was eager to find out whether he could play hockey again.... it was almost one of the first words out of his mouth. The doctor told Josh he would agree to let him, if he could do a few quick tests for him. Such as:
1. Gripping the drs fingers as hard as he could.
2. touch your nose and touch the drs finger--back and forth-- (as the dr moved his hand around)
3. Walk in a straight line, then back, heal to toe.
And then there was one more, and he told Josh if he passed this, he would let him play.
4. Take one big step forward and align your feet, then lift your arms, (mid body), palms up and close your eyes.

Josh did it... (John and I tried it later, when we got home, and its not as easy as it sounds-- I was actually wobbling)
So.... Dr. B wrote a letter to the hockey league saying Josh was "good to go".
The whole way back from the hospital, he kept reminding me not to lose the letter. Josh also asked today when we will see Dr. B again, to which we replied that we hope never..... Josh was confused by this, he really liked him, but we explained that it wasn't that we don't like him, its that we hope we never have "brain surgery" again. -- Josh still seemed puzzled by this, I am sure I will still get questions regarding this.



So, YES.... Josh is cleared for hockey!!!!! He is actually out right now with John and his coach getting some ice time before his game this Wednesday.

I think he is a little nervous about being back into it, but I am sure that will not last long.

As he was taping his stick tonight, he was taking "slap shots" in the kitchen and commentaries "he shoots, he SCORESSSSS and it his first game all season...." " and the crowd goes WILD!!!!!"

We truly feel blessed at this moment, to have several good appointments with positive news. We know this road, in our life, has only begun for us, whether it be treatments or simple monitoring for the future. We trust that God will be with us and keep us strong through this Life's Journey.




Deuteronomy 31:6   Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Matthew 11:28   "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"