Hmmmmmm....... Do you think it's time for an update?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I'm not quite sure where to begin this update. Lots has happened, most notably Matthew getting his December scans last week. I was so anxious in the days leading up to the MRI's, I think I made myself physically ill. At some point I realized that MRI's have NEVER resulted in good news for Matthew. Initially the scans were for diagnoses (obviously not good news). Then there were more scans that showed the significant seeding and spreading of the tumors into the spine. Then there were scans that confirmed the seeding. Two months ago were the scans that showed the tumors had gotten bigger and were showing more activity, despite the chemotherapy Matthew had been on for two months. No wonder I was feeling so anxious about these! The news we received last week was again a mixed result. Part of the main tumor was larger and part was smaller. Who knows what this means?!? Also, his ventricles were slightly smaller so less hydrocephalus (YEA!!), and the tumor seeding in his spine and brain stem was stable (YEA, again!!!) So, the current plan is to stick with the Temodar for 2 more months and re-scan. Hopefully we will then have a very definite idea if the chemotherapy is effective. Matt just completed his third round of Temodar and again seemed to handle it pretty well. He did throw up a little bit this morning, but insisted he didn't think it would happen anymore and that he felt well enough to go to school. They haven't called yet, so I assume no news is good news!

I am so thankful that we were able to postpone scans until after Christmas. It made for a really nice holiday! Matt felt really well since he was 5 weeks post chemo. Here are some photos from our day.

Christmas Eve in new jammies!

Matt being suprised by his new IPOD

Andrew, Nathan and Warren checking out the race track - the cars are meant to crash!

William with his awesome GI JOE......thingee (thanks uncle Alex!)

Andrew with his new 'Ben 10' watch


For New Years Eve we also had a really fun time. We went up to this mountain resort near our house that Warren and I have talked about checking out for 10 years! They had a room with 3 queen beds, 2 bathrooms, and a separate bedroom. It was perfect for our family. We went up there and the boys swam - there was a jacuzzi with a waterfall along with a pool and a very shallow toddler pool. The boys had a great time. Matthew couldn't swim, because his line can't get wet, but he could sit on the top step of the hot tub or pool. Then we had a fancy dinner at the resort restaurant. The Prime Rib was some of the best I've ever tasted! Afterwards we got into jammies, watched movies, and were all asleep well before midnight! :-)

Last thing, and then I will end this insanely long update! Baby Jake is so stinkin' cute! I thought about posting pictures of him on his own blog, but can't resist putting a few here! He is nearly 2 months old and HUGE! I'm anxious to see how much he has grown since his last doctors appointment!

Here is a good shot of Jake's red hair - and his famous 'Hold to the Rod' pose

One evening Matt asked to hold Jake while I was cooking dinner. I thought it had gotten awfully quiet....

Smiling at Daddy

Check out those cheeks!!