Rylee's 7th Scope

Dr. Patches the faithful dog.
Rylee waiting to be admitted for scope.

Rylee had her 7th scope procedure yesterday. They did not have to band any varices yesterday, but she does have two that are popping up and will need to be banded in 4-6 weeks. The next visit we will have to stay over night. Her body is no longer showing signs of healing itself as it was doing in November. The surgeon is consulting with other dr's regarding the best surgery option for Rylee. The news was not great but it was not bad. We just want what is the best option for Rylee. She did not do well with the anesthia yesterday. Very difficult to wake her up and she was extremely agitated. It was a very difficult day yesterday on all of us. My parents are as always an amazing help. She is one very lucky little girl to have the best Nana and Poppy! We are praying for God to lead us in the right direction and to give us continued strength and carry us through all of this. It will make exactly one year since her diagnosis next month. I have scheduled her 8th scope almost to the exact day of her first one. Many people have asked and are wondering what is taking so long regarding surgery. Dr. Monagus told us yesterday that they are delaying because her body was showing signs of improvement and they want to explore every option possible before deciding on the risky surgery. For that we are grateful, but we are hoping to come to a resolution by this summer so that Rylee can get back to being the active, spunky child she was a year ago. As always, thank you for your thoughts and especially the prayers! We need them!



Brandi, Danny and Rylee

Playing Catch Up

It has been a very busy few months on our end. Rylee had her follow up with Dr. Monagus a few weeks ago and her next scope is set for February 7, 2012. He did have her MRI and MRA films in hand, but he is not a surgeon, so he could not give us any information. He is meeting with the surgeon tomorrow regarding Rylee. We should have an answer between now and then. If we do not hear from them, we will discuss at the scope. It seems like the affects from her stroke are rearing its ugly head. Meaning the damage to her left frontal lobe is affecting her performance in school. We will get through it, but it sure is frustrating. It is more frustrating for her than it is for us as the parents and I can only imagine what she is going through herself. I just keep thinking there will be a light at the end of the tunnel somewhere. We are going to try a diet and some supplements to see if we can handle it naturally.

On a much lighter note, she is very excited about becoming a big cousin!!! Maybe not as excited as I am about becoming an AUNTIE!!! I am thrilled that my little brother and the beautiful Amy Seal will be welcoming my niece or nephew into the world in July. We will find out the gender of the baby March 2nd! This might be the first time I don't have a definite feeling about the gender, but either way I am already completely in love with this child!!! This child has given his/her aunt a lot to look forward too and has kept my mind off of all the things going on with Rylee.

She is enjoying cookie sales for her Brownie troop and sold a lot of boxes. She has collected a numerous amount to be donated to Children's Hospital. So proud of her decision.

As always, keep her in your prayers and we thank you!

Brandi