AISLING

We moved to Springfield, MO in June 2017 and Aisling started getting headaches. She had blood work done in July in the town we used to live in but results were inconclusive. In August she told me she was having trouble seeing. I sorted out the vision insurance I got from my new job and our family went to see the Eye Doctor October 3rd, 2017. The doctor said we should schedule her an appointment for an MRI with a Neurologist. The next day my husband phoned the Mercy Neurologist and the clinic sent their information to them. We got a room at the St. Jude affiliate clinic October 4th and her MRI was done that evening. Around 6:30 p.m. we were given the news our daughter had a large tumor in her brain. She was in surgery the next day for about 8 hours. They had removed 75% of her tumor. She powered through healing and we were out of the ICU within days. We were discharged with instructions that we were going to be transferred to St. Jude's Research Hospital. By October 18th we were here and having more scans done. There was a 10% growth and we were scheduled for surgery October 24th, 2017. This time our doctor was able to remove all of the tumor and again Aisling powered through healing. We were discharged the Friday after. We went through the process of radiation preparation and six weeks of treatment. She lost her appetite and her sleep cycle was irregular. We found out that Aisling has a Genetic mutation called DICER1 syndrome that is a predisposition to cancer in certain organs. She had cysts on her lungs that had to be removed before she could begin chemotherapy. Her response was "Alright let's do it". This was the week we were scheduled to go home for four weeks after completion of radiation. We went home first and were back to have a Thoracotomy on February 2nd, 2018. This took longer to heal and caused her a great deal of pain but she was strong. We began Chemotherapy on February 13th, 2018. She had four rounds in all in twenty-one to twenty-eight day cycles. She is still happy and bright.
Hopecam gave Aisling access to video chat with her class. They miss her and she misses them. She is able to message her family in Missouri and Arkansas. She has some educational games to help her keep her cognitive skills sharp. She is able to download books to continue to read which she loves even though her vision is compromised. We cannot thank you enough for helping our little girl not feel alone. Bless you.

We are scheduled to go Home to Springfield MO May 19th. Then we will just have rechecks every three months for two years. She is beating this illness. We are so blessed. Thank you again.