Home for Christmas

Yes, we got to come home last night. We spoke with Dr Auguste, the nuerosurgen who put in Natalia's shunt, on Monday bright and early. He said it was a fine line between the shunt being moved from 1.5 to a 1 on the 9th and the lowering of steriod. He did not want to touch the shunt for fear that it would cause greater pressure and more symptoms. It would be best for now to go back to the dexamethasone (steriod) and let it lower the swelling in her brain so that we could be home for Christmas instead of in the hospital. We could see a big improvement by Monday afternoon and by Tuesday she was doing well. When the doctors did rounds Tuesday afternoon they asked how we saw her and if we felt she would do well at home. We said we thought she could handle it so.....with strict instructions to bring her back if there were any other problems we made it home last night. She will go back on Monday the 29th for clinic and chemo.

Kudos to everyone who helps to make the holidays for children in the hospital a bright time. While nothing can replace being at home, the girls enjoyed their time there. I think , no I know, it is because they scored in the gift department. They have lots of new "cuddles" as they call stuffed animals. Natalia's favorite is a brown bear from the SFPOA (San Francisco Police Officers Association). Sophia's favorite were the barbie dolls from the Public Works. They took theirs minds off being stuck in the hospital for a little while and for that Edgar and I are very greatful.

Merry Christmas to you all. Thank you for being a part of our lives. Much love and warmest wishes to you all,
Roni