Clear Ahead

We received clear scans yesterday - yet the day seemed extremely long. We'll take l o n g any day over cancer.

The doctors spent a great deal of time trying to figure out where to go from here with Hannah's arm. They feel that there's tendons literally pulling Hannah's hand downward, preventing her from straightening the wrist and using it the way it was originally designed.

The order for more tests came late in the day. In order to make a decision, Drs. Shin and Bishop want more information to determine the best path to follow. Although Dr. Bishop commented, "As she grows the bone becomes longer, but the tendons won't stretch further, so her hand will continue to worsen." Dr. Laack described the tendons as rubber bands that stretch with the movement; however, after radiation , they become more like shoelaces. They will have some give, but not the way in which they use to.

When we come back in February, Hannah will have some tests added to her schedule and a plan will be made. Dr. Bishop doesn't seem to think there's any other way then going back into the radiated field and cutting some things loose. Dr. Shin began the conversation with, "Going into a radiated field is tough! It's like making your way through a mine field - you may make it all the way through, but somewhere along the way, something is going to be injured." After listening to Dr. Bishop, who has worked in many radiated fields before, Dr. Shin said, "As Dr. Bishop talks, I become more brave and willing to try." He further went on to tell us that Dr. Bishop has tons of experience with this area - which comforts us a great deal.

However, the best conversation we had was when Hannah told Dr. Bishop that she had switched to the French horn (with his expertise in music as well, he recommended the change for Hannah's sake). Dr. Shin, a professed non-musical person, jokingly told Dr. Bishop, "I think the French horn sucks." To which Dr. Bishop replied, "Well, that's where you are wrong. It doesn't suck, it blows." Classic! Two top notch surgeons in the country sharing wit over music.

We're heading home.

Peace and Prayers