Update from parent who attended SCTA conference

[kimsmom]

I wanted first to thank the SCTA and Linda for having the conference this year. I was able to attend both days and my husband made it to the afternoon sessions on Saturday. I learned so much from the presenters as well as survivors I talked to. We have a 4 year old daughter with an astrocytoma from T8 to L3. The two most important things that happened for us at the conference were meeting Malia's grandparents and meeting Dr. Jallo.

Malia's story really gave us a sense of hope. Dr. Jallo spoke with us and agreed to review Kim's scans and share his opinion with us. I have since sent him her scans and been emailing back and forth with him. I can't believe his attentiveness to this matter. He's been great.

Just a quick background on Kim...she was diagnosed in Jan. 07 and a resection was attempted but the neurosurgeon decided that the tumor was too infiltrative to remove and only took enough for a biopsy. She began chemo in Feb. 07 and is just beginning her last round of chemo next week.

Dr. Jallo believes the chemo has been working and that the tumor has decreased by 40-50%. This was great news to us as our current neurosurgeon was saying there wasn't much change in the tumor. Dr. Jallo has recommended that Kim finish chemo and repeat scans 3 months after treatment and 6 months after and agreed to look at her scans then. He does not believe that she should have a surgical intervention at this time.

Again, we feel very grateful to the SCTA for making this meeting possible. Also, personally, I'd like to thank Dave from California for encouraging me to talk with Dr. Jallo!

As a mother, I feel more at peace now with his opinion than I have in the past 2 years. Thanks again and we'll keep you updated.

Denise Thul
(Kim's mom)

[valerieb]

Hi Denise
That is absolutely encouraging news! I know you were so worried at the conference as Kim had just had more scans and the news was not back yet.

I can only imagine what it must be like to have a child going through these treatments and my heart is out to you, and all the parents, who struggle with this daily. You have a very difficult job, as does Kim living with the disease.

I am so pleased that Dave's encouragement brought you to Dr. Jallo and he offered such positive opinions. Please keep us updated on her progress and how you and your husband are doing.
Valerie

[kimsmom]

Thanks Valerie. Kim just started the last round of chemotherapy on Thursday and is doing great. She will be able to go to preschool this year which will be nice for her to be around other kids. My husband and I still worry of course but are feeling better since getting Dr. Jallo's opinion. We'll keep you posted as time goes on. Thanks for your encouragement.
Denise