Thankful for Stability

As you may have heard Owen's MRI went well last week. We received the best possible news, which is that Owen's tumor is stable. We still send his MRI to Dana Farber for a second opinion.

What does it mean when a tumor is stable? The following is from the Lahey clinic website, When a tumor is referred to as "stable," it means that the tumor cells are in a phase in which they have stopped growing or multiplying. Such stability may be temporary or permanent. When the tumor has actually been destroyed, and the area it occupied in the brain is composed only of dead tissue (necrosis), no new growth will occur. However, if tumor cells remain, it is possible that they will begin growing again at a later date.

The actual sedation process went very well. We were in the very capable and caring hands of Jeff, the nurse practitioner that I previously mentioned. He inserted Owen's IV with just one try - thank goodness... and then Owen was off to sleep. After the MRI he slept for an hour and then we took him home where the challenge of the recovery began. We were told that the effects of the sedation could last the entire day... and they did! He could not walk unassisted, which made him pretty mad! He tried to help him or sit with him but he was not having it... needless to say it was a long day but knowing that sedation is safer than anesthesia makes it bearable.

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and everyday! Owen is doing well and we have another bundle of joy on the way...

MRI Tomorrow - Pray for Owen

Hard to believe that it's been three months since Owen's last MRI... his next MRI is tomorrow. For each previous MRI Owen has been put under anesthesia. Tomorrow he will have sedation instead of anesthesia, which means that they will give him an IV while he's awake (in the past they've given the IV when he's sleeping). Sedation appears to be "safer" than anesthesia.

I spoke with the nurse practitioner today who will be administering the sedation. He said that the only thing he has done at Yale for the past 7 years is pediatric sedation so we're hopeful that he'll take good care of Owen. In the past we have not been able to stay with Owen during the test, but this time Eric will stay with him (I can't since I'm pregnant). Please pray for Owen that his test results are just as favorable as they have been in the past and pray for a steady hand of the nurse practitioner.

What's in mommy's belly?

Owen has some news to share! He's going to be a big brother. Although he's happy, he's really hoping that he doesn't have to share his birthday as Baby Bernheim #2 is due on May 27th... just three days after his birthday! Hence the reason I haven't been a great blogger - I've had morning sickness at night and have been exhausted. Owen has been putting me to bed at 8pm!

I just passed the 12 week mark this past Thursday and I am really feeling so much better! We had our first trimester screening and ultrasound this past Friday and everything looks great. We ask for your prayers as we grow our family. I think Owen will really enjoy a new brother or sister... and nope, we're not finding out the gender.... 28 more weeks until we know (but who's counting?!)

Trip to VT

Last weekend we headed to Vermont to spend time with Mimi and Papa (Eric's parents) and Dylan and Riley (Owen's cousins, and their parents Aunt Amy and Uncle Ken). We went to OctoberFest at Mt. Snow... it was much colder (and more rainy) than we anticipated! Here are a few photos of us bundled up - and it's only October! Despite the cold weather we had a fun time together.

Owen bundled up but missing gloves!

Owen giving kisses to cousin Riley.

Family photo

Back to Bloggin'

Our blog took a little vacation with us.... as this month flew bye! We were fortunate to spend a week in Aruba vacation with my parents, brother, and his girlfriend, Melissa. This fun week just so happened (ok, it was well planned) to fall during the week of my 30th birthday. Owen had a great time despite his cold. He did very well on the plane - much better than I anticipated. During the five hour flight he slept and played... and we walked up and down the aisle of the airplane. In Aruba Owen enjoyed the pool and the beach... and the continuous music. It was a nice week to spend with the family. Below are some photos from our warm and sunny vacation!

Owen enjoying his time in the pool!Memere & Pepere with Owen (he's showing his new smile).

Dressed for a night on the town and ready to dance!

The view from our room... beautiful.

Celebrating the big 3-0!

Aunt Melissa and Uncle Jarred hanging out with Owen.

Pepere holding the bird ... Owen loves this!

Enjoying Aruba.

The Prayers Continue

It's amazing just how much Owen has grown in the seven months since his surgery. At his 15 month check-up last week he weighed in at a healthy 24 pounds 9 ounces (50th percentile) and 33 and 3/4 inches (97th percentile). He's on track with his motor and verbal skills - adding lots of new words each day. We're so excited that he's starting to say two syllable words!

I was looking back at my post from seven months ago on Jan. 30th and we had just finished traveling to Boston. We were hopeful then and continue to remain hopeful. The continued prayers keep us strong and faithful. It's truly heart-warming to hear from the people who continue to pray for Owen. Last Saturday when Eric and I were on the train from NYC to home, Eric ran into a friend who quickly asked how Owen was doing. Although his high school friend works in another country he follows Owen's blog. Last week my mother-in-law forwarded me an email from one of her colleagues who noted that her cousin still prays for Owen every night. About one month ago during a dinner that Eric and I hosted, Eric's colleague's wife told me that she and her mom prayed for Owen. And a few months ago when I was at Stephanie's house (in NY) her father-in-laws' sister said that she prayed for Owen and has him on a pray list that goes to Italy. Also, when I'm at my parent's church, I always hear Owen's name on the list of people to pray for... these are just a FEW of the many people that I know are thinking about and praying for Owen.

These past seven months have taught us more than we ever wanted to know about medical jargon, brain tumors, insurance, etc. but more importantly during the past seven months, we've lived and learned from the power of prayer. Thank you for continuing to pray just as we do each day.

Great News Again!

We received great news that Owen's tumor has not grown!! We continue to be blessed. The next MRI will be in three months. Thank you again for your prayers!! We praise God for his goodness!