Hi Everyone,

I spoke with Jackson's oncologist even further last night regarding his MRI. She gave me some pictures and the final reports for the last two MRI's to compare. The injury that is present is more consistent now with radiation vs. leptomenigal cancer recurrence. The leptomenigal recurrence spreads through the lining of the brain or meninges. The radiation injury began in this area, but in the last four weeks it is now presenting within the brain tissue itself, which if it was cancerous, it would have continued along the lining of the brain and would also have begun to appear nodular. This is not Jackson's case THANK GOD! There are some down sides to the radiation injury also. It can continue to change and progress until the 18 month mark. If it progresses too much, Jackson may have some physical issues such as shakiness or even more balance issues. In rare occasions, the children will need to be put on steroids to lessen the effects. So, he will have another MRI in 4 weeks to check the progression and to confirm that it is not cancer.

Today we are inpatient at UCSF for his 5th cycle of chemo. YAY!!!!!! Only one more to go after this. Next month, Warren will join us for Jackson's MRI, hearing test, and final chemo. We will be discharged from here on Monday, pending our stay is uneventful, and then we will be off to family house until Thursday. He will have his clinic visit, outpatient chemo, blood work, and probable blood transfusion. We will be back home Thursday night.

Thank you everyone again for all of the wonderful prayers that have been sent up for Jackson. God has been listening!

Jenise