Dina's Medical Updates
and Progress
Super Dina!
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February 18, 2004:
  Dina is doing great.  She went for another chest x-ray yesterday, and a visit with her oncologist. The x-ray is "dramatically improved" with only traces of  fluid left in her lung.  Her counts were excellent.  We will now resume our monthly visit routine for the oncologist, and the surgeon doesn't want to see her for 3 months.  She is getting around nicely, she seems to be walking straighter and she can't wait to go back to school.  Thanks to all of you who were there for us, AGAIN! I am not one to preach, but I really believe this time, all of our collective prayers, along with my dad up there, really helped Dina.  We continue to be thankful for each and every minute we have with her.
February 25, 2004:
   We are somewhat back to normal again. Dina started school again, and she was able to make it through the entire day.  She is feeling good, no problems to report.  She is going back to dancing school, today! She was so excited when I told her that she was able to dance again.  She is not able to play gym or have recess in school, yet. That won't be for a few more weeks. After speaking with her surgeon this week, he has told me that she is at risk for her spleen to rupture, as it is not well protected. She has the gortex patch there, but it's not a rib.  That means that she probably won't be able to play any type of contact sport (not even soccer). I think that she will be fine with that. She enjoys dance, and I think that she will like cheerleading.  We just have to be careful of any impact to that area.  Life is good, again.
April 1, 2004:
  Happy 6th Birthday, Dina!! April 3rd is her real birthday but we will be so busy.  Wouldn't you know, that today she is running a fever.  That will land us a visit to our favorite doctor's office just in time for her birthday. Just what she wants, a birthday finger stick.  UGH! She's not really complaining of anything, other than she is tired, but we need to figure out what is going on, so that she is well enough for her HUGE party at Chuck E. Cheese tomorrow, and her family party on Saturday.  And of course, our trip to Disney!  We are all looking forward to this trip, a well deserved vacation for us all.  She is doing great, and loving life. She has always been one to take the time to "look at the beautiful stars", and "listen to the cute birds." I think that we've all learned to do that now, thanks to Dina.  Happy Birthday!!! We love you, our miracle girl!
March 6, 2005:
    It's about time I updated this page! Dina is doing well, she is really starting to fill out and she is getting so tall! Her last scan in December was clean, and she is not due for another one until June.  One would think that it would get easier as time goes on, but it really doesn't. Bryan and I still have such anxiety with each scan and each doctor's visit.  We are truly enjoying our "cancer free" lives, though.  Although we are very busy and have very little down time, we would much rather have it this way than the other, of course!  For some reason, I am unable to upload new pictures to this site, as soon as I figure it out, I will post them. I will put up some pics of Dina's new chihuahua puppy, Mimi, the cutest little thing you ever saw.  Thank you to all who continue to pray for Dina each day, as she remains cancer free.
April 3, 2005:
    HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY, DINA!!! Today is Dina's 7th Birthday. We plan on having a great day filled with family and friends, and celebrating the most important day of the year! Dina is turning into such a beautiful, intelligent young girl. She is so smart, and wise in her years, yet she is a true little girl at heart. When I watch her sleep, listen to her laugh, and feel her in my arms, I am truly thankful for her life. I appreciate each and every moment, cherishing even the small, little things. I thank GOD every day that she is here and cancer free, living her life like all of other children her age.  p.s. her 3 month check up went great, her bloodwork came back fine...she even spoke to her doctors, the 1st time since she was diagnosed at 4. She is growing up!
June 30, 2005:
   Dina's 6 month CT scan was yesterday. She had a physical and bloodwork, also. She is still CANCER FREE!!!! Woo Hoo!! Oh what a relief, now we can enjoy our summer. Have a wonderful summer, everyone. Please keep praying that Dina will remain cancer free forever, and that all other children with cancer will soon be cancer free.
February 2006 :  A LONG, OVERDUE, UPDATE!
   I am very sorry for the long wait. "No news is good news". We have had many life-changing events since the last update.  We have moved into a beautiful, new house. With that came a new school, with new friends for Dina. She adjusted so well, and loves all of the above! Her past medical news has been uneventful (can you believe I just typed that?!) . Her last CT scan (12/05) was clear again. Thank you, God!  She is due for another visit to the oncologist for bloodwork next month, and another CT in June.  Dina will be turning 8 years old in April, and making her First Holy Communion in May.  We have been looking forward to this for a long time! Our family is well, although spread througout the country. We miss all of you, and can't wait to see you.  We continue to pray and be thankful for Dina's life, we cherish her completely.  We know that someone is watching over us, daily. Thank you. Please continue to love each day, pray for Dina's continued remission, and pray for all the children suffering from this horrible disease. No one deserves cancer...no one.
April 3, 2006:  Happy 8th Birthday, Dina!
  Today is Dina's 8th birthday. I can't believe she is 8 already. It seems like just yesterday, she was a tiny baby, asking, "What's Dat?" for everything she saw.  Today was a great day for Dina. She got to spend it with her best friend, in the mall, getting her hair and make up done & shopping! She is healthy, happy, and truly enjoying her life.  She is quite the little princess now! She had her birthday party over the weekend, and all of her friends had a great time.  Thank you, Dina, for another, wonderful year with you!